Disability rose for U.S. adults 50–84 from 2000–2018, middle-aged and Hispanics most affected
Mar 5th 2026
A national analysis of 2000–2018 NHIS data finds that limitations in basic and instrumental daily activities rose overall among Americans aged 50–84, with the biggest relative increases among adults 50–64 and sharp post-2010 jumps among Hispanic subgroups, especially US-born Hispanic women.
- Analysis used NHIS data 2000–2018 for adults aged 50–84 with about 478,868 respondents and models adjusted for age and education.
- Both ADL and IADL limitations increased overall and adverse trends seen in 2000–2009 continued into 2010–2018.
- Adults aged 50–64 had the largest relative increases in disability, though absolute prevalence remained lower than in older groups.
- Non-Hispanic Whites and Non-Hispanic Blacks drove much of the increase in 2000–2009 and then largely plateaued in 2010–2018.
- Hispanics experienced substantial rises after 2010, with US-born Hispanic women aged 50–64 showing a 129% increase in ADL limitations over 2000–2018.
- Foreign-born Hispanics began with the lowest disability levels but older foreign-born Hispanic women aged 75–84 showed a 110% increase in ADL limitations over the period.
- Results are descriptive and self-reported, highlight widening racial and nativity disparities, and signal potential implications for the workforce and health policy.