Accounting for the historical rise in work-disability prevalence.

The growth in prevalence of functional disability among adults is commonly and uncritically attributed to changes in demographic, medical, and socioeconomic factors. Detailed analysis of self-reported work disability over the past 25 years shows that two-thirds of such disability is attributable to the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. Even as mortality rates continue to fall, the health status of adult Americans may be deteriorating.