Title
Trends in disability-free life expectancy
Author
Perenboom, R.J.M.
van Herten, L.M.
Boshuizen, H.C.
van den Bos, G.A.M.
Publication year
2004
Abstract
Purpose: To assess trends in Disability-Free Life Expectancy, in life expectancy with disabilities according to levels of severity and in Disability-Adjusted Life Expectancy in the Netherlands between 1989 and 2000. Method: The disability-free life expectancy, a composite population health status measure, was calculated with data on long-term disability. Weights reflecting the impact of disability on personal functioning were assigned to different levels of severity of disability, in order to calculate a Disability-Adjusted Life Expectancy and to define cut-off points, in order to distinguish between levels of severity. Results: At an aggregated level, for both males and females at the ages of 16 and of 65 years, an increase in years with disabilities and a decline in disability-free life expectancy were observed. These trends were mainly caused by a rise in the number of years with mild disabilities, with the number of years with moderate and severe disabilities decreasing. The combined changes have resulted in an increase in the Disability-Adjusted Life Expectancy. Conclusion: Trends in disability-free life expectancy and in years with disabilities provide support for a scenario of dynamic equilibrium. The number of years with moderate and severe disabilities has reduced, resulting in an increase in the number of years with minor disabilities. Further research should focus on the underlying causes of the increase of years with minor disabilities. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Subject
adult
controlled study
data analysis
disease severity
groups by age
health status
longitudinal study
physical disability
population research
quality adjusted life year
sex difference
Adolescent
Aged
Disabled Persons
Female
Health Status Indicators
Humans
Life Expectancy
Male
Netherlands
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:673109da-a940-49b4-b8f7-2caddb99e019
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/0963828032000174098
TNO identifier
237710
ISSN
0963-8288
Source
Disability and Rehabilitation, 26 (7), 377-386
Document type
article