Women less likely than men to use mobility aids despite greater need
Women are more likely than men to experience mobility limitations that could benefit from the use of mobility aids, but are much less likely to use them when needed...
This study was funded by UK Aid as part of the Global Disability Innovation Hub’s AT2030 programme.
Though the prevalence of disability continues to rise among people over the age of fifty, many people do not have access to mobility aids – such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs – that are essential for maintaining independence and social engagement.
Published in The Lancet Public Health, the study explored which demographics might be more or less likely to use mobility aids when they would benefit from them.
The team analysed survey responses from 12,080 participants aged 50-89 over 13 years (2006-2019), using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
During that time, 8,432 participants reported having some mobility difficulty. Of these, 5,102 (61%) experienced an unmet need at least once (not using a mobility aid despite experiencing difficulty), while 3,330 (39%) reported using a mobility aid at least once.
Women were 50% more likely than men to transition from not needing a mobility aid to unmet need status during the study period, but were 20% less likely to transition from unmet need to use.
The authors of the research suggest that this highlights a gender inequality that needs to be addressed to improve an overlooked area of public health.