From the University of Michigan better medical care and more education—not positive life-style changes—are the major reasons for a decades-long decline in disability rates among older Americans according to a new study funded by the National Institute on Aging that provides one of the first comprehensive looks at the factors fueling the welcome trend. according to a new study funded by the National Institute on Aging that provides one of the first comprehensive looks at the factors fueling the welcome trend."
A substantial share of the decline in disability can be accounted for by changes in cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions, and vision problems. These conditions are less likely to result in disability presumably due to improvements in treatment, especially for the first two conditions, which have become more common among older adults. Further:
• Education had a major impact. "Half of the decline in disability can be accounted for by the rise in educational attainment of older Americans,"
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