Low socioeconomic status is associated with an accelerated decline across a broad range of age-related physical, mental, and social functions, independent of diagnosed illnesses and self-rated health, a study finds. Past research has shown that low socioeconomic status increases the risk of premature death and serious health problems at older ages. However, it has not been clear whether low socioeconomic status is associated with accelerated decline in age-related functions that are not directly related to health conditions. Andrew Steptoe and Paola Zaninotto examined the relationship between wealth and the rate of age-related decline in physical, sensory, physiological, cognitive, emotional, and social functions. The participants included a representative sample of 5,018 adults aged 52 years or older from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Over a period of 6-8 years, less wealthy individuals showed greater deterioration across all six domains. This pattern was evident for grip strength, gait speed, physical activity, lung function, memory, executive function, processing speed, and enjoyment of life. In addition, socioeconomic status was inversely associated with incidence of sight problems and depressive symptoms, and directly associated with likelihood of volunteering and regularly engaging in cultural activities. According to the authors, the findings suggest that social circumstances may have pervasive effects on core aging processes.
###
Article #19-15741: "Lower socioeconomic status and the acceleration of aging: An outcome-wide analysis," by Andrew Steptoe and Paola Zaninotto.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Steptoe, University College London, UNITED KINGDOM; tel: (44) 207679 1804; e-mail: a.steptoe@ucl.ac.uk
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences