Research shows that women use mobility aids less often than men, despite the greater need

Although the prevalence of disability continues to rise among people over 50, many people do not have access to the mobility aids – such as walking sticks, walkers or wheelchairs – that are essential for maintaining their independence and social engagement.

Published in The Lancet Public Healththe study examined which demographic groups were more or less likely to use mobility aids when they would benefit from them.

The team analyzed survey responses from 12,080 participants aged 50-89 over a 13-year period (2006-2019), using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging.

During that time, 8,432 participants reported having some mobility problems. Of these, 5,102 (61%) experienced an unmet need at least once (not using a mobility aid despite experiencing difficulties), while 3,330 (39%) reported using a mobility aid at least once.

Women were 50% more likely than men to transition from not needing a mobility device to unmet need status during the study period, but were 20% less likely to transition from unmet need to use.

The study authors say this highlights a gender disparity that needs to be addressed to improve an overlooked area of ​​public health.

Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “While the unmet need for mobility aids such as walking sticks and wheelchairs is a widespread global health problem, it is unclear how non-clinical characteristics such as age, gender or socio-economic position can make people more likely to experience unmet needs.

“Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. While our data did not determine why participants did not use mobility aids, other research tells us that women often encounter obstacles more often than men. such as cost barriers due to well-documented income differences between genders.

“Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think could be a factor. The use of mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact safety and the stigma experienced by women in particular. There is a critical need for further research to identify and overcome the barriers that prevent women from accessing mobility devices that would improve their quality of life.”

The study also documented other demographic factors associated with a greater likelihood of needing a mobility aid, including lower education levels, unemployment or disability, and lower wealth. However, these demographic groups were also more likely to use mobility aids when they needed them, further highlighting that gender is a key determinant of unmet needs.

Previous research from the UCL Global Disability Innovation Hub found that cost is the biggest barrier to using mobility aids for both men and women.

Professor Cathy Holloway, author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Not having access to mobility aids when someone needs one can have a major impact on their independence, wellbeing and quality of life Our analysis shows that women in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, do not receive the support they need.

“I expect that the reasons why women are less likely than men to use mobility aids when they need them are numerous and the overall picture is likely to be complex. Further research in this area could help determine where barriers can be overcome.”

Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and head of the Social Care Group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “This study underlines the crucial need to address gender gaps in access to mobility aids, an essential but often overlooked problem. part of public health and disability inclusion.

“The research provides compelling evidence of gender differences in access to assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias and social stigma are likely to disproportionately affect women.

“This underlines the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies. These insights provide a valuable basis for national and global policymakers to prioritize gender equality in policy developments on aging and disability. “