Over a fifth of adults in Northern Ireland are living with at least one disability, figures revealed today.
The figures were released by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency [NISRA] and were drawn from a survey of activity limitations and disabilities conducted over the last year.
A NISRA spokesman said: "This survey used a broad definition of disability. In addition to limitations in daily living that would be commonly associated with disability, this definition also encompasses the impacts of long-term illness and conditions."
A total of 21 per cent of adults have a disability - with women 4 per cent more likely to be affected than men, with the figures getting worse as people get older.
While only 6 per cent of children are classified as disabled, the total rises to 60 per cent amongst those aged 75 and over. Among those aged over 85, two-thirds are living with a disability or disabilities.
The results of the study showed that 18 per cent of the Northern Ireland population of all ages living in private households face limitations in their daily lives as a consequence of a disability or long term condition. Almost two out of every five households in Northern Ireland include at least one person with a limiting disability.
The most common type of disabilities reported by adults were associated with chronic illnesses, pain, mobility difficulties and dexterity difficulties. Among children the most common disability was linked to chronic illness, learning difficulties and social/behavioural difficulties.