Determinants of Disability in Elderly Blacks and Whites, 2006.

The 2006 National Health Interview Survey data was used to determine which demographic characteristics were associated with disability in Blacks and Whites age 65 and over. The dependent variable was any self-reported disability or limitation. The independent variables were age, gender, insurance status, martial status and education. For Blacks, there was a statistically significant association for reporting a limitation and being female and increased age. A lack of government insurance coverage and having a high school diploma was found to be protective. For Whites, there likewsie was an association for a reporting a limitation and age and a protective effect of lacking government insurance. However, education’s increasingly protective effect extended to college graduates.