Mortality and the attribution of health problems to aging among older adults

This study examined the association between mortality and attributing health problems to aging among 1391 respondents from the Longitudinal Study of Aging who indicated difficulty with activities of daily living. Of this number, 72 persons attributed impairment primarily to "old age." Logistic regression controlling for demographics, physical health problems, self-rated health, and social involvements showed an association with mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 1.78, CI = 1.05, 3.00). Attributing health problems to aging may carry a risk of adverse health events.