Predicting functional dependency using machine learning among a middle-aged and older Chinese population.

The stacked ensemble approach can serve as a useful tool for identifying the risk of functional dependency in a large Chinese population. For ADL dependency, arthritis, age, self-report health, and waist circumference were identified as highly significant predictors. Conversely, cognitive function, age, living in rural areas, and performance in chair stand test emerged as highly ranked predictors for IADL dependency.