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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Socioeconomic factors from midlife predict mobility limitation and depressed mood three decades later; Findings from the AGES-Reykjavik Study

Authors: Daniëlle AI Groffen, Annemarie Koster, Hans Bosma, Marjan van den Akker, Thor Aspelund, Kristín Siggeirsdóttir, Gertrudis IJM Kempen, Jacques ThM van Eijk, Gudny Eiriksdottir, Pálmi V Jónsson, Lenore J Launer, Vilmundur Gudnason, Tamara B Harris, Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study Investigators

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Taking into account our rapidly ageing population, older people are of particular interest in studying health inequalities. Most studies of older persons only include measures of current socioeconomic status (SES) and do not take into account data from earlier stages of life. In addition, only classic SES measures are used, while alternative measures, such as car ownership and house ownership, might equally well predict health. The present study aims to examine the effect of midlife socioeconomic factors on mobility limitation and depressed mood three decades later.

Methods

Data were from 4,809 men and women aged 33–65 years who participated in the Reykjavik Study (1967–1992) and who were re-examined in old age in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES) -Reykjavik Study (2002–2006).

Results

Education and occupation predicted mobility limitation and depressed mood. Independently, home and car ownership and the availability of housing features predicted mobility limitation. Shortages of food in childhood and lack of a car in midlife predicted depressed mood.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic factors from midlife and from childhood affect mobility limitation and depressed mood in old age. Prevention of health problems in old age should begin as early as midlife.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/13/101/prepub

Title: Socioeconomic factors from midlife predict mobility limitation and depressed mood three decades later; Findings from the AGES-Reykjavik Study
Authors: Daniëlle AI Groffen
Annemarie Koster
Hans Bosma
Marjan van den Akker
Thor Aspelund
Kristín Siggeirsdóttir
Gertrudis IJM Kempen
Jacques ThM van Eijk
Gudny Eiriksdottir
Pálmi V Jónsson
Lenore J Launer
Vilmundur Gudnason
Tamara B Harris
Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study Investigators
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-101

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Socioeconomic factors from midlife predict mobility limitation and depressed mood three decades later; Findings from the AGES-Reykjavik Study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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