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Do Most Adults Over 70 Have a Disabling Illness? Understanding Health and Disability in Later Life

While it is a common misconception, the idea that most adults over 70 have a disabling illness is false. According to 2023 data from Statista, less than half of Americans aged 75 and older (45.3%) report having a disability, and that figure is even lower for those aged 65-74 (23.9%). The prevalence of chronic conditions is high, but having a chronic illness does not automatically equate to a disability that limits daily life.