Active Life Expectancy In The Older US Population, 1982–2011: Differences Between Blacks And Whites Persisted

Abstract

We examine changes in active life expectancy in the US over 30 years, from 1982 to 2011, for white and black older adults. For older whites, longevity has increased, disability has been postponed to older ages, the locus of care has shifted from nursing facilities to community settings, and the period of disability prior to death has been compressed. However, for older blacks, longevity increases have been accompanied by smaller postponements in disability, and the percentage of remaining life spent active has remained stable and well below that of whites. Older black women were especially disadvantaged in 2011 in terms of the proportion of years expected to be lived disability-free. Public health measures directed at older blacks–particularly black women–are needed to offset impending long-term care pressures related to population aging.

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