Difference in disability trajectory among the elderly with different characteristics in China

Objective To investigate the difference in disability trajectories among the elderly with different characteristics in China and to provide references for reducing disability in Chinese elderly.Methods We extracted the data on 7 979 residents aged from 65 to 105 years living in 23 provinces and municipalities or autonomous regions from the results of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted in 2005,2008,and 2011.We adopted group-based trajectory model to fit and compare the disability trajectories of the elderly with different characteristics.Results Of all the elderly surveyed,34.98% (2 791) were identified with the trajectory of able-bodied,54.28% (4 331) with the trajectory of mild disability at the beginning but rapid exacerbation in the late life,and 10.74% (857) with the trajectory of relatively severe disability at the beginning and then rapid exacerbation,respectively.Significantly different disability trajectories were observed among the elderly being followed-up,passed away,and lost to follow-up based on the data of 2011 (χ²=186.38,P<0.001).The disability trajectories differed significantly by gender,birth year,occupation,and living area among the elderly (P<0.001 for all).Conclusion Mild disability at the beginning but rapid exacerbation in the late life is a major pattern of disability trajectory and the trajectory is mainly influenced by gender,birth year,occupation,and living area among the elderly in China.