Native Hawaiians face mobility challenges earlier in life, study shows

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new study shows Native Hawaiians face mobility limitations earlier in life than other ethnic groups in Hawaii.

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The research from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Ha Kupuna National Resource Center for Native Hawaiian Elders found 28% of Native Hawaiians aged 55 and old reported problems with mobility, balance, or walking. Rates for other races in the same age groups were 17% to 19%.

Data used for the study was collected from the Hawaii Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2019 and 2021.

“This study points to the need to assess mobility changes earlier than age 65,” said study leader Miquela Ibrao. “Staying mobile is critical to living independently and maintaining social connections.”

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The research team also found links between economic factors and mobility.

Both Native Hawaiian and White adults with higher income levels reported lower rates of mobility limitations.

The study is published in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s peer-reviewed journal Preventing Chronic Disease.

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