Diverse group walking towards a bright horizon, symbolizing longevity.

Unlocking Longevity: How Specific Diseases Impact Your Disability Risk

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into how diseases contribute to disability across different age groups, empowering you to take proactive steps toward a healthier future."

Living a long and healthy life is a universal goal, but the path to longevity isn't always straightforward. Health problems can severely impact our ability to perform daily activities, affecting our overall well-being and quality of life. Understanding the specific diseases that contribute to disability is crucial for both public health initiatives and individual health management.

A groundbreaking study from the GEDA-EHIS 2014 (German Health Update - European Health Interview Survey) sheds light on the intricate relationship between specific diseases and disability. By analyzing data from over 24,000 respondents, researchers identified key patterns in how different diseases contribute to disability across various age groups. This knowledge is essential for tailoring prevention and care programs to meet the unique needs of different populations.

This article breaks down the core findings of the GEDA-EHIS 2014 study, translating complex research into actionable insights for everyone. Whether you're in your 20s, 50s, or 70s, understanding your specific risks can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being. We'll explore which diseases pose the greatest threat to your ability to live an active, fulfilling life and what proactive steps you can take to mitigate those risks.

Disease-Specific Risks: What the Research Reveals About Disability

Diverse group walking towards a bright horizon, symbolizing longevity.

The GEDA-EHIS 2014 study revealed significant variations in how diseases contribute to disability based on age. Overall, the study found that 6.4% of women and 6.8% of men reported being severely limited in their daily activities. However, the reasons behind these limitations differed considerably across age groups. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:

Younger Adults (18-34): Asthma, allergies, and depression had the highest impact on disability in this age group. These conditions can significantly affect young adults' ability to work, study, and participate in social activities.

Asthma: Chronic respiratory issues can limit physical activity and overall energy levels.
Allergies: Severe allergic reactions can cause significant discomfort and disruption to daily life.
Depression: Mental health challenges can impair cognitive function, motivation, and the ability to perform daily tasks.

Middle-Aged Adults (35-64): Digestive system diseases, lower back pain, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and musculoskeletal diseases were the primary drivers of disability in this group. These conditions often develop gradually over time and can have a cumulative impact on physical function.

Empowering Your Health: Taking Control of Your Future

Understanding the specific diseases that contribute to disability is the first step toward taking control of your health and well-being. By recognizing your risks and adopting proactive prevention strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of living a long, active, and fulfilling life. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your health at every stage of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx186.204, Alternate LINK

Title: Contribution Of Specific Diseases To Disability. Results From Geda-Ehis 2014

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: European Journal of Public Health

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Authors: E Von Der Lippe, J Baumert, C Scheidt-Nave

Published: 2017-10-20

Everything You Need To Know

What were the primary findings of the GEDA-EHIS 2014 study regarding disability?

The GEDA-EHIS 2014 study, conducted with over 24,000 respondents, revealed significant insights into how specific diseases contribute to disability across different age groups. The study found that 6.4% of women and 6.8% of men reported being severely limited in their daily activities. The primary goal was to understand the relationship between specific diseases and disability. For younger adults (18-34), the study highlighted the impact of asthma, allergies, and depression. Middle-aged adults (35-64) were primarily affected by digestive system diseases, lower back pain, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and musculoskeletal diseases.

How do diseases like asthma, allergies, and depression impact younger adults' disability risk?

In the age group of 18-34, the GEDA-EHIS 2014 study identified asthma, allergies, and depression as significant contributors to disability. Asthma, a chronic respiratory issue, can limit physical activity and overall energy levels, making it difficult to perform daily tasks and participate in social activities. Severe allergic reactions can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life, leading to temporary or prolonged limitations. Depression, a mental health challenge, can impair cognitive function, motivation, and the ability to perform daily tasks, affecting work, study, and social engagement. These conditions can collectively impact a young adult's ability to live an active and fulfilling life.

Which health issues pose the greatest disability risk for middle-aged adults (35-64)?

The GEDA-EHIS 2014 study indicated that middle-aged adults (35-64) face disability risks primarily from digestive system diseases, lower back pain, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and musculoskeletal diseases. These conditions often develop gradually and have a cumulative impact on physical function, leading to limitations in daily activities. The study emphasizes the importance of early detection, management, and prevention strategies to mitigate these risks and maintain a good quality of life.

What is the significance of the GEDA-EHIS 2014 study in understanding the link between disease and disability?

The GEDA-EHIS 2014 study is groundbreaking because it provides detailed insights into the relationship between specific diseases and disability across different age groups. The study's large sample size (over 24,000 respondents) allows researchers to identify key patterns and understand how various health conditions contribute to limitations in daily activities. This information is essential for tailoring prevention and care programs to meet the unique needs of different populations. By translating complex research into actionable insights, the study empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ultimately promoting a longer, healthier life.

How can individuals use the findings of the GEDA-EHIS 2014 study to improve their health and well-being?

Individuals can leverage the findings of the GEDA-EHIS 2014 study by understanding their specific risks based on their age group and health history. For instance, knowing that asthma, allergies, and depression are significant risks for younger adults, they can focus on preventive measures and early intervention strategies. Middle-aged adults should be aware of the potential impact of digestive system diseases, lower back pain, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and musculoskeletal diseases. Therefore, they can prioritize regular check-ups, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and seek timely medical attention. By recognizing these risks and adopting proactive prevention strategies, individuals can significantly increase their chances of living a long, active, and fulfilling life.