Physical Health
Assistance
While most older adults live active healthy lives, those community-dwelling older adults in the United States who have chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, arthritis) may face long-term illness, diminished quality of life, increased health care costs, and difficulty conducting activities of daily living such as shopping, dressing, or preparing meals.
Although 81 percent of the population over age 60 in Texas report having at least one chronic health condition, only 40 percent of older Texans report having disabilities that require assistance with personal care needs or handling routine activities. Such disabling conditions include physical, mental or emotional problems, health problems that require use of special equipment, or trouble learning, remembering or concentrating. Even fewer (34%) of older Texans have both a chronic condition and a disability.
Updated: November 2, 2007
