Educational Inequalities in Dual-Function Life Expectancy.
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci
; 79(7)2024 Jul 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38685796
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
This study investigates educational inequalities in dual functionality, a new concept that captures a combination of physical and cognitive functioning, both of which are important for independent living and quality of life.METHODS:
Using data from the Health and Retirement Study and the National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality Files, we define a measure of dual functionality based on the absence of limitations in activities of daily living and dementia. We estimate age-graded dual-function rates among adults 65+ and age-65 dual-function life expectancy across levels of education stratified by gender.RESULTS:
In their mid-60s, 67% of women with less than a high school degree manifest dual functionality as compared with over 90% of women with at least a 4-year college degree. A similar pattern holds among men. These education-based gaps in dual functionality remain across later life, even as dual-function rates decline at older ages. Lower dual-function rates among older adults with less education translate into inequalities of 6.7 and 7.3 years in age-65 dual-function life expectancy between men and women, respectively, with at least a 4-year college degree compared to their counterparts with less than a high school degree.DISCUSSION:
Older adults, particularly women, with less than a high school degree are estimated to live a smaller percentage of their remaining years with dual functionality compared with older adults with at least a college degree. These inequalities have implications for the distribution of caregiving resources of individuals, family members, and the broader healthcare community.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Actividades Cotidianas
/
Esperanza de Vida
/
Escolaridad
Límite:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci
Asunto de la revista:
CIENCIAS SOCIAIS
/
GERIATRIA
/
PSICOLOGIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos