Spousal Concordance in the Development of Functional Limitations Among Married Adults in China

Key Points Question Are spouses concordant in the development of functional limitation over time in middle and old age? Findings In this cohort study of 10 414 community-dwelling participants (5207 married, different-sex couples) 45 years or older in China, significant interdependent associations were observed within a couple in the development of major public health problems, including functional limitation, activities of daily living limitation, and instrumental activities of daily living limitation. Meaning In an unprecedentedly aging population accompanied by increasing burden from functional impairment, recognizing the spousal role in shaping health and prioritizing couple-oriented rather than individual-alone public health strategies is warranted for effective prevention and treatment of functional limitations.