Comparisons of the Association of Family and Social Factors With Functional Limitations Across the United States, Mexico, and South Korea: Findings From the HRS Family of Surveys

TitleComparisons of the Association of Family and Social Factors With Functional Limitations Across the United States, Mexico, and South Korea: Findings From the HRS Family of Surveys
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsHong, I, Pryor, L, Wong, R, Ottenbacher, KJ, Reistetter, TA
JournalJournal of Aging and Health
Date Published2019/10/04
ISBN Number0898-2643
KeywordsCross-Cultural Comparison, cross-national study, Family, KLoSA, MHAS, multiple studies, socialization
Abstract

Objective: The association of family and social factors with the level of functional limitations was examined across the United States, Mexico, and Korea. Method: Participants included adults from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study (n = 10,017), Mexican Health and Aging Study (n = 6,367), and Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (n = 4,134). A common functional limitation scale was created based on Rasch analysis with a higher score indicating better physical function. Results: The American older adults (3.65 logits) had better physical function compared with Mexican (2.81 logits) and Korean older adults (1.92 logits). There were different associations of family and social factors with functional limitations across the three countries. Discussion: The American older adults demonstrated less functional limitation compared with Mexican and Korean older adults at the population level. The findings indicate the need to interpret carefully the individual family and social factors associated with functional limitations within the unique context of each country.

Notes

doi: 10.1177/0898264319878549

DOI10.1177/0898264319878549
Short TitleJ Aging Health
Citation Key10372