As we get older, our bodies change. Some changes are minor and some are profound. Our hair turns gray, we put on extra weight, we're a little slower than before. Eventually, we may begin to experience significant difficulties with hearing, seeing, and walking. These age-related changes can make it more difficult to get around, interact at work, and engage in simple conversations.
The ADA defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. There is no age requirement or age limit. It isn't the cause or the onset of the disability but how it affects a person in everyday life. Many older adults have never thought of themselves as having a disability or that they needed to utilize the ADA. If someone's ability to engage in a staff meeting is now substantially limited because of age-related hearing loss, then that person may have rights under the ADA. The presence of these new limitations may now make the ADA of great importance to this population.
It is not unusual for older adults to have at least one chronic condition. Many times, these are non-apparent but are covered by the ADA just the same. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that about 95% of adults aged 60 and older have at least one chronic condition. Nearly 80% have two or more conditions.
What is a chronic health condition? Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention, or limit activities of daily living, or both. The NCOA lists the top 10 most common chronic conditions in older adults aged 65+ as:
10. Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
9. Depression
8. Heart Failure
7. Chronic Kidney Disease
6. Diabetes
5. Ischemic Heart Disease (or Coronary Heart Disease)
4. Arthritis
3. Obesity
2. High Cholesterol
1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
The mission of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to work, education, healthcare, and community. Acquiring a disability as an older adult does not invalidate their right to now invoke the ADA when needed.
It's important to know what those rights are. Here are some resources to have a basic understanding of the ADA and how it can be a useful tool for older adults. It's also useful for employers, co-workers, and anyone interacts with the older population:
- Aging and the ADA
- Know Your Rights! The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) & Older People | ADA National Network
- Including Older People With Disabilities | ADA National Network
- Aging_Depression.pdf
- Age, Hearing Loss, and Effective Communication
- Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs | ACL Administration for Community Living