WOMEN’S HEALTH USA 2011 HEALTH STATUS – HEALTH INDICATORS 29

ACTIVITY LIMITATIONS
Activity limitations are defined in different
ways. One common definition is whether a per-
son is able to perform physical tasks (e.g., walk-
ing up ten steps, standing for two hours, carrying
a ten pound object), or engaging in social activi-
ties and recreation (e.g., going shopping, visiting
friends, sewing, reading) without the assistance
of another person or using special equipment.13
In 2007–2009, 32.8 percent of adults reported
being limited in their ability to perform one
or more of these common activities (data not
shown). Women were more likely than men to
report being limited in their activities (37.2 ver-
sus 28.1 percent, respectively).
The percentage of adults reporting activity household incomes less than 200 percent of
limitations increased with age among both poverty reported an activity limitation, compared
men and women. Only 16.8 percent of women to 34.3 percent of women with household
aged 18–24 years reported activity limitations, incomes of 200 percent or more of poverty
compared to 22.4 percent of those aged 25–44 (data not shown). Some causes of activity
years, 43.6 percent of women aged 45–64 years, limitations also varied by poverty status. For
and 67.9 percent of women aged 65 years and instance, women with household incomes
older. A similar pattern was observed among below 100 percent of poverty were more likely
males, with a smaller proportion of younger men to report that depression, anxiety, or other
reporting limitations (11.3 and 16.9 percent of emotional problems caused activity limitations
men aged 18–24 and 25–44 years, respectively) (16.7 percent), compared to women with
compared to those aged 45–64 and 65 years and household incomes of 100–199 percent and
older (34.7 and 56.3 percent, respectively). 200 percent or more of poverty (9.6 and
Activity limitations among women varied by 6.2 percent, respectively). The most common
poverty level. About 45 percent of women with reported cause of activity limitations among
women was arthritis (37.4 percent).

Adults Aged 18 and Older with Activity Limitations,* by Age Women Aged 18 and Older with Activity Limitations,* by Selected
and Sex, 2007–2009 Conditions and Poverty Status,** 2007–2009
Source II.1: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Source II.1: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics,
Statistics, National Health Interview Survey National Health Interview Survey
67.9
70 Female 70 Total
Male Less than 100%
60 56.3 60 of Poverty

with Activity Limitations

Percent of Women
100%-199%
Percent of Adults

50 43.6 50
of Poverty
40 37.2 34.7 40 37.4 39.4 39.3 35.3
200% or More
28.1 28.9 of Poverty
30
3.1 22.4
30 26.0 25.1 27.2
20 16.8 16.9 20 16.7
11.3
8.1 9.6
10 10 6.2
3.2 5.2 4.2 2.2 1.5 2.1 1.8 1.2
Total 18-24 Years 25-44 Years 45-64 Years 65 Years Arthritis/ Back and Depression, Vision Hearing
and Older Rheumatism Neck Problems Anxiety, and Problems Problems
Emotional Problems
*Activity limitations are defined as having difficulty performing certain physical, social, or recreational
*Activity limitations are defined as having difficulty performing certain physical, social, or activities without the assistance of another person or using special equipment. **Poverty level, defined by
recreational activities without the assistance of another person or using special equipment. the U.S. Census Bureau, was $21,954 for a family of four in 2009.