Disability and Functioning (Adults)

(Data are for the U.S.)

 

Noninstitutionalized adults 18 years and older

• Number of adults with hearing trouble: 34.8 million
• Percent of adults with hearing trouble: 15%
• Number of adults with vision trouble: 25.2 million
• Percent of adults with vision trouble: 11%
• Number of adults unable (or very difficult) to walk a quarter mile: 16.0 million
• Percent of adults unable (or very difficult) to walk a quarter mile: 7.1%
• Number of adults with any physical functioning difficulty: 33.1 million
• Percent of adults with any physical functioning difficulty:  15%

Source: Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2008, tables 11, 12, 18, 19

 

Noninstitutionalized adults 65 years and older

• Percent of adults 65-74 years who need help with personal care from other persons: 3.4%
• Percent of adults 75 years and over who need help with personal care from other persons: 10%

Source: Summary Health Statistics for the U.S. Population: National Health Interview Survey, 2008, table 5

 

More data

• Disability and health in the United States, 2001-2005
• Health Data Interactive
• Health, United States trend tables with data on disability