[Analysis of disability-free life expectancy over the lifespan: from maturity to old age].

Objective: To determine the life stages in which disability-free life expectancy is shortened before the age of 70 years.

Method: A retrospective longitudinal analysis was carried out in a cohort of 1,286 non-institutionalized people aged from 70 to 74 years old living in metropolitan areas. Disability was measured by instrumental and basic activities of daily living.

Protective effects of social networks on disability among older adults in Spain.

The loss of autonomy at advanced ages is not only associated with ageing, but also with the characteristics of the physical and social environment. Recent investigations have shown that social networks, social engagement and participation act like predictors of disability among the elderly. The aim of this study is to determine whether social networks are related to the development and progression of disability in the early years of old age.