Description

For sample persons age 55 and older in 1984 and all persons age 65 and older in 1986 who, due to a health or physical problem, have difficulty walking or do not walk at all when by herself/himself and not using any special equipment, and who receive help when walking, LAWALKHNRIH reports if she/he receives help from a nonrelative household member and, if so, if the help is paid for.

If the person receives help from more than one person in the same category, and some are paid while others not, the help is denoted as paid for. If the person indicates that help is received from a spouse, child, or parent, she/he is not asked whether the help is paid for.

This variable was introduced in 1984 as 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

Changes in the universe will reduce comparability over time. In 1984, this question was asked of sample persons age 55 and older and in 1986, it was asked of persons age 65 and older. See the Universe tab for more details.

Universe

Availability

• 1984, 1986

Weights

• 1986 : PERWEIGHT
• 1984 : SAMPWEIGHT