Trends in self-perceived physical and mental health problems causing functional limitations in US men aged 60 years or older

Understanding aging men’s perspective on functional ability is of utmost importance to tailor the delivery of medical care and to inform policy makers about aging men’s primary health concerns.
The purpose of this analysis was to describe trends in self-perceived physical and mental health problems causing functional limitations in US men aged ≥60 years based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data from 2011 to 2018.
Data from 2,494 males with a mean age of 68.56 years was analyzed. Participants reported a median number of 1 health problem causing functional limitations. With 20.54% and 17.75%, respectively, arthritis/rheumatism and back/neck problems emerged as the main problems. The predicted prevalence of arthritis/rheumatism causing functional limitations increased significantly from 2011–2012 to 2017–2018 by 9% (p = 0.028). Back/neck problems increased by 10% from 2011–2012 to 2015-2016 (p = 0.004). The predicted number of health problems causing functional difficulties was 1.81 times higher in those aged ≥80 years when compared to those aged 60 years (p < 0.001).
Health conditions which attract higher attention from a public health point of view (e.g. cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorders) are less frequently reported among aging men when it comes to functional disabilities and physical functioning.