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Projects
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Demographics: Elders in Massachusetts |
Disability
Most men and women aged 65 and over in
Massachusetts as well as in the United States as a whole report no
disabilities, but sizable shares report problems associated with their
health. In the 2000 Census, respondents were asked about long-lasting
conditions resulting in vision or hearing problems, or limiting their
physical activities. As well, they were asked if they had any problems
due to any physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months
or more with the following: remembering, going outside the home alone,
working at a job or business, or self-care. The information provided
here refers just to the Noninstitutionalized population living in the
community.
In Massachusetts, 64% of the older men
and 61% of the older women report that they are not disabled according
to these criteria. Women in the Commonwealth report somewhat more
disabilities than men, with 18% reporting one disability and 21%
reporting two or more (compared to 20% reporting one and 17% reporting
two or more among men). Among the health-related limitations on which
the Census provides data, self-care difficulties (including difficulty
dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home) are of great
concern because they affect the ability of a person to live
independently. In Massachusetts, 7% of older men and almost 10% of
older women report having self-care limitations. Across the board, the
disability profile of Massachusetts seniors is slightly more favorable
than for seniors in the United States as a whole.
Disability Among Men Aged 65 and Over,
Massachusetts and the United States, 2000
Disability Among Women Aged 65 and
Over, Massachusetts and the United States, 2000
Percent Reporting Self-Care
Disability by Gender, Noninstitutionalized Population Aged 65 and
Over, Massachusetts and the United States, 2000
| Demographic Area |
Total |
Men |
Women |
| Massachusetts
| 8.6% |
6.9% |
9.7% |
| United States
| 9.5% |
7.5% |
11.0% |
Disability: Men and Women
| Status |
Massachusetts |
United States |
| None |
62.2% |
58.1% |
| One Only |
18.5% |
20.1% |
| Two or More |
19.3% |
21.8% |
| Total (%) |
100.0% |
100.0% |
| Self-Care (%) |
8.6% |
9.5% |
Disability: Men
| Status |
Massachusetts |
United States |
| None
| 63.6% |
59.6% |
| One Only
| 19.7% |
21.3% |
| Two or More
| 16.7% |
19.1% |
| Total (%)
| 100.0% |
100.0% |
| Self-Care (%)
| 6.9% |
7.5% |
Disability: Women
| Status |
Massachusetts |
United
States |
| None
| 61.2% |
57.0% |
| One Only
| 17.7% |
19.3% |
| Two or More
| 21.1% |
23.7% |
| Total (%)
| 100.0% |
100.0% |
| Self-Care
(%)
| 9.7% |
11.0% |
Source: United StatesCensus Bureau, 2002, Census 2000
Summary File 3 (SF 3), Sample Data, Table PCT26. Refers to
noninstitutionalized population only.
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