Description

For all persons who need help and/or use special equipment when walking in 1979 and 1980, sample persons age 55 and older in 1984 who have difficulty walking, and all persons age 65 and older in 1986 who have difficulty walking, LAWALKEQPYN reports if she/he uses special equipment when walking.

This variable was introduced in 1979 as part of a series of variables related to the difficulty of doing various activities due to a physical/mental 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

Changes in the universe reduce comparability between years. In 1979 and 1980, this question was asked of all persons who need help or use special equipment when walking. In 1984, it was only asked of sample persons age 55 and older who have difficulty walking. In 1986, it was asked of all persons age 65 and older who have difficulty walking. Because of these changes, researchers should use caution in making comparisons across years. Please see the Universe tab for more details.

Universe

Availability

• 1979-1980, 1984, 1986

Weights

• 1979-1980, 1986 : PERWEIGHT
• 1984 : SAMPWEIGHT