A New Classification of Function and Disability in China: Subtypes Based on Performance-Based and Self-Reported Measures

Objectives: To develop a new classification method to describe incidence and prevalence of function and disability and their predictors in Chinese older adults. Methods: Data were obtained from 16,020 older adults in the 2002 wave of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The subtypes of function and disability were defined by combining physical performance (PP) tests and self-reported assessments of activities of daily living (ADL). Results: The most prevalent subtype involved PP limitations without ADL dependency. Rural living made it more likely that an individual with physical performance limitations would be independent in ADL, whereas city residence made dependence in ADL more likely, regardless of whether performance limitations were present. Discussion: Self-reported and performance-based tools can be used in combination to estimate conceptually different subtypes of function and disability, with different epidemiological rates of incidence and different social, medical, and environmental predictors.GerontologyHealth Policy & ServicesSSCI1ARTICLE5779-7982