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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Social determinants, health status and 10-year mortality among 10,906 older adults from the English longitudinal study of aging: the ATHLOS project

Authors: Natasa Kollia, Francisco Félix Caballero, Albert Sánchez-Niubó, Stefanos Tyrovolas, José Luis Ayuso-Mateos, Josep Maria Haro, Somnath Chatterji, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

In either rich or poor countries, people’s health widely depends on the social conditions in which they live and work – the social determinants of health. The aim of the present work was to explore the association of educational and financial status with healthy aging and mortality.

Methods

Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) were studied (n = 10,906 participants, 64 ± 11 years, 55% women). A set of 45 self-reported health items and measured tests were used to generate a latent health metric reflecting levels of functioning referred to as health metric (higher values indicated better health status). Overall mortality after 10-years of follow-up (2002–2012) was recorded.

Results

Both education and household wealth over time were positively associated with the health metric (p < 0.001) and negatively with overall mortality (p < 0.001). Lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity, smoking habits and alcohol consumption) mediated the effect of education and household wealth on the health metric and the latter mediated their effect on overall mortality.

Conclusions

In conclusion, reducing socioeconomic disparities in health by improving the access to education and by providing financial opportunities should be among the priorities in improving the health of older adults.

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Title: Social determinants, health status and 10-year mortality among 10,906 older adults from the English longitudinal study of aging: the ATHLOS project
Authors: Natasa Kollia
Francisco Félix Caballero
Albert Sánchez-Niubó
Stefanos Tyrovolas
José Luis Ayuso-Mateos
Josep Maria Haro
Somnath Chatterji
Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6288-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Social determinants, health status and 10-year mortality among 10,906 older adults from the English longitudinal study of aging: the ATHLOS project

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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