Our reported cutoffs can serve as criterion-referenced values, along with those previously determined using different indicators, and provide important landmarks on the performance continua of older adults' grip strength and UGS. These landmarks could be useful in interpreting test results, monitoring changes in performance, and identifying individuals requiring timely intervention. For identifying older adults at risk of IADL disability, grip strength is superior to UGS.

Purpose This paper seeks to document the progression of disability in a developing country and to examine gender differences in this process. Methods The data come from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), a nationally representative sample of older adults. An ordinal logistic regression (n = 3,283) is used to measure the progression of disability that considers: 1) no disability, 2) mobility problems, 3) mobility problems with IADLs limitations, 4) mobility problems plus ADLs limitations, 5) combinations of the latter three, and 6) death. Results Approximately 43% of the sample remained in the same level of disability after 2 years. The patterns of progression with two disabilities differ for men and women. Conclusions Our model reflects the importance of separating ADLs and IADLs in the study of disability progression in Mexico. Varying risk profiles and cultural differences might influence the divergent disability paths followed by each gender.