Trends and characteristics affecting disability among older Canadians living in private households

As the first of the Boomers reach age 65 in 2011, it is of great interest to identify trends in dis-ability to better predict future needs and resources within community care. This paper uses data from four national datasets to investigate trends in disability rates and examine socio-demo-graphic characteristics associated with disability. Results show a decrease in the overall disability prevalence rate. However, no significant trend in levels of disability was identified for the period 1994/95–2000/01 when controlling for socio-demographic variables, suggesting stability in the probability of being disabled over time