GLS Regression of Factors Influencing Functional Health Among Older Adults in China Based on Panel Data

<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background</bold> : To explore the influencing factors of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among Chinese older adult individuals aged 65 and above, in order to provide reference for the improvement of functional health activity ability and prevention in the elderly in the future. <bold>Method</bold> : Data from four panel follow-up cohorts of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) conducted in 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018 were collected, involving a total of 20,502 older adult individuals aged 65 and above. The generalized least squares method (GLS) was used to estimate the random effects model for regression analysis, aiming to explore and analyze the influencing factors of ADL and IADL. <bold>Result</bold> : The results of the GLS regression analysis indicate that the factors that can predict the functional health of older adults can be classified into two categories. One category consists of factors that positively regulate functional health, including general ability, attention, memory ability, language, comprehension, and self-coordination ability; the other category consists of factors that negatively regulate functional health, including age, body mass index, and years of education. <bold>Conclusion</bold> : Attention should be paid to the decline in the ADL and IADL of older adults. Sufficient attention should be given. More and more activities of moderate or higher frequency should be provided and promoted among older adults in the community, in order to improve their health levels and self-care abilities. </p>