The impact that wealth and social class has on people's well-being in old age is far greater than is often assumed. New research from the Economic and Social Research Council reveals just how great the difference really is in people's health and well-being between different social groups at older ages.
The research, conducted by Professor James Nazroo in the Department of Sociology at the University of Manchester, together with colleagues at UCL and the Institute for Fiscal Studies, reveals that:
- Those from lower socio-economic groups, on average, die earlier than their wealthier counterparts.
- Those from lower socio-economic classes, and those with less education and wealth, are more likely to suffer from both self-reported illnesses such as, depression, and also from long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
- The inequalities in health and life expectancy arising from socioeconomic inequalities persist into the oldest ages, although they are larger for those aged in their 50s and 60s.
- Early retirement is generally good for people's health and well-being unless it has been forced on them (and this is usually because of redundancy or poor health).
- Those forced into early retirement generally have poorer mental health than those who take routine retirement, who in turn have poorer mental health that those who have taken a voluntary early retirement.
- Older people who participate in non-work activities, such as volunteering or caring for others, have better mental health and well-being, but only if they feel appreciated and rewarded for their contribution.
"These findings have important implications for us all." said Professor Nazroo who led the research team. "Increases in life expectancy raise major challenges for public policy. Among these is the need to respond to marked inequalities in economic position and life expectancy at older ages. In addition, despite the fact that we are all living longer, many people now stop work before the statutory retirement age and a large proportion of these still have the potential to provide a positive input into society, the economy and their own well-being. Our findings will help us understand how society can help people realise this potential."
The study was based on a detailed analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) using date collected between 2002 and 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Professor James Nazroo (Tel: 0161 275 2495, email: james.nazroo@manchester.ac.uk)
ESRC Press Office:
Saskia Walcott Head of Communications, Tel: 01793 413149, email: saskia.walcott@esrc.ac.uk
Danielle Moore, Communications Manager, Tel: 01793 413122, email: danielle.moore@esrc.ac.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
1.This release is based on the findings from 'Inequalities in health in an ageing population, patterns, causes and consequences" (award number: RES-000-23-0590), a study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. The research was carried out by Professor James Nazroo at the University of Manchester with Alissa Goodman, from the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Professors Michael Marmot and Richard Blundell from University College London,
2.The research was based on a detailed analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a multi-disciplinary survey that contains detailed information on health, economic and social circumstances making use of three waves of data, collected in 2002/3, 2004/5 and 2006/7.
3.The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues. It supports independent, high quality research which has an impact on business, the public sector and the third sector. The ESRC's planned total expenditure in 2009/10 is £204 million. At any one time the ESRC supports over 4,000 researchers and postgraduate students in academic institutions and independent research institutes. More at http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk
4.The ESRC confirms the quality of its funded research by evaluating research projects through a process of peers review. This research has been graded as 'outstanding'.