Description

For sample persons age 55 and older in 1984, and age 65 and older in 1986, who, due to a health or physical problem, has difficulty going outside or does not go outside at all when by herself/himself and not using any special equipment, LAGOUTDIFF reports the amount of difficulty she/he faces when engaging in such an activity. See the Codes tab for response categories.

This variable is part of a series of variables related to the difficulty of doing various activities due to a physical/mental health condition, the use of help from others to carry on such activities, and the number of years this difficulty has persisted. For related variables, please use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus.

Comparability

A change occurred in the wording of the question over the years. In 1984, the question was worded as: "By yourself, how much difficulty do you have..." In 1986, the question was modified to: "By yourself and without using special equipment, how much difficulty do you have..."

Changes in survey design (e.g., quarters in which the supplement was collected) may affect raw frequencies, but do not affect comparability of the variable. As always, data users should use the prescribed IHIS weights.

Universe

Availability

• 1984, 1986

Weights

• 1986 : PERWEIGHT
• 1984 : SAMPWEIGHT