Race differences in long-term disability: Middle-aged and older American Indians, blacks and whites in Oklahoma

The research reported in this article was supported by the Oklahoma Health Research Program, Contract # 1681.

Abstract

This article analyzes long-term disability patterns and measures “excess” disability by race for persons 45 and over in Oklahoma in 1980, using decennial census data. There are large within- and between group differences in disability prevalence lence by age and socioeconomic characteristics. Substantial “excess” disability—defined as disability which might be prevented if “class” differentials were reduced or removed—characterizes minorities and less educated whites. For all races, the more highly educated seem to experience health advantages in terms of prevention or postponement of disability. Implications of the findings are considered.

Notes

The research reported in this article was supported by the Oklahoma Health Research Program, Contract # 1681.

1 The author is indebted to C. Matthew Snipp, Michael A. Katovich, and several anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments.