Self-reported and performance-based disability measures have a different impact on the degree of social integration among older Americans

Abstract

Objectives. To examine the differences of self-reported versus performance- based disability on social integration among older adults, as well as the direct and potential moderating role of the physical and social environment on these relationships. Methods. Using data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study (n = 2,700), two indicators of disability (self-reported, performance- based), chronic health conditions, and home environment were examined as predictors of social integration using multinomial logistic regression. Results. Compared to older adults with self-reported disabilities, older adults with performance-based disabilities were less likely to be nonintegrated. The presence of chronic conditions moderated these associations. Home environment had a direct effect on social integration, although it did not account for disability-related differences in outcomes. Discussion. Careful selection of disability measures and the inclusion of physical and social environmental factors is important when investigating determinants of social integration among older adults.