SOCIAL INEQUALITY IN DECLINE IN PHYSICAL FUNCTION AND MORTALITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS

摘要

Due to differential vulnerability, low socioeconomic position (SEP) may lead to greater decline in physical function and mortality among older adults with few social relations. We investigated how older people’s SEP combined with social relations was associated with decline in physical function and mortality. The study population included 4,060 older adults aged 75 or 80 years at baseline in 1998–1999. Information about social relations at baseline, and physical function at baseline and after 1.5, 3 and 4.5 years were obtained from questionnaires. SEP measured by financial asset at baseline and mortality during 5 and 10 years of follow-up were obtained from Danish nationwide registers. Generalized estimation equations and Additive hazard models were used to analyse associations between SEP combined with social relations and decline in physical function and mortality, respectively. Adjusted analyses showed that males, but not females, with low financial asset who lived alone or had no visits, no social activity, low family contact, or low social contact experienced the greatest decline in physical function. Yet, there was only significant interaction between financial asset and visits. Both males and females with low financial asset who lived alone, or had no visits, no social activity, low family contact, or low social contact had the highest mortality. Yet, there were only significant interactions between financial asset and visits for females and social activity for males. In conclusion, among older adults, especially males, low SEP implied a greater decline in physical function and higher mortality among those with few social relations.