Trends in self-perceived physical and mental health problems causing functional limitations in US men aged 60 years or older

BACKGROUND: Understanding aging men's perspective on functional ability is of utmost importance to tailor the delivery of medical care and to inform policy makers about aging men's primary health concerns. METHODS: The purpose of this analysis was to describe trends in self-perceived physical and mental health problems causing functional limitations in US men aged ≥60 years based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data from 2011 to 2018. RESULTS: Data from 2,494 males with a mean age of 68.56 years was analyzed. Participants reported a median number of 1 health problem causing functional limitations. With 20.54% and 17.75%, respectively, arthritis/rheumatism and back/neck problems emerged as the main problems. The predicted prevalence of arthritis/rheumatism causing functional limitations increased significantly from 2011-2012 to 2017-2018 by 9% (p = 0.028). Back/neck problems increased by 10% from 2011-2012 to 2015-2016 (p = 0.004). The predicted number of health problems causing functional difficulties was 1.81 times higher in those aged ≥80 years when compared to those aged 60 years (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Health conditions which attract higher attention from a public health point of view (e.g. cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorders) are less frequently reported among aging men when it comes to functional disabilities and physical functioning.