Increasing mobility limitations in Finnish older adults: Time trends and projections during 2013-40

Abstract Background In an ageing population, functional ability is a major public health issue. Mobility limitations increase vulnerability to severe disability, mortality, and reduce quality of life. Insufficient information exists on how the mobility limitations of older adults will change as the population ages. We assessed the past and future trends in mobility limitations in Finnish adults aged 55 years and over from 2013 to 2040. Methods We analyzed six representative cross-sectional surveys in 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 (n = 132,426, aged 55+). Mobility limitations (difficulties walking 500 m) were assessed through self-reports. Multiple imputation was used to project future mobility limitations, considering population aging. Results Following a steady trend from 2013 to 2018, the prevalence of mobility limitations increased steeply between 2018 and 2020 and then plateaued from 2020 to 2024. In 2013, 11.7% (95% CI [11.4-12.1]) of the population aged 55 and over had mobility limitations, whereas by 2024, this prevalence had risen to 14.0% [13.3-14.5]. By 2040, the projection suggests that 18% of adults aged 55 or over will have mobility limitations, representing 399,000 persons. This increasing trend was particularly pronounced in adults aged 75 and over. In 2013, 25.2% [24.3-26.0] of people aged 75+ had mobility limitations, amounting to 117,000 persons. By 2024, the prevalence increased to 27.1% [26.1-28.1], corresponding 177,000 persons. By 2040, the prevalence is projected to reach 35% as the population ages, representing 309,000 persons aged 75 or older. Conclusions Mobility limitations in older adults (75+) have increased and this increase is likely to continue if no action is taken. Instead of political cutbacks in resources, increasing efforts are needed to identify older adults at risk of mobility limitations, implement preventive measures, provide physical activity counselling and services and monitor the effectiveness of these efforts. Key messages • Mobility limitations are projected to increase in the future among adults aged 75 years and older unless proactive measures are taken. • To prevent this increasing trend and to promote healthy aging in the future, political action is needed to implement preventive measures and ensure accessible mobility services for older adults.