Determinants of Healthy Aging in Older Americans
Author Information
Author(s): Sahab Lujain
Primary Institution: King’s College London
Hypothesis
What factors influence healthy aging in older Americans?
Conclusion
Being male, white, wealthy, and having a high income are associated with a higher chance of achieving healthy aging.
Supporting Evidence
- Females had lower odds for healthy ageing (OR: 0.64).
- Black individuals had statistically significant lower odds of ageing healthily (OR: 0.87).
- Hispanics had higher odds of healthy ageing.
- Higher educational degrees increased the likelihood of healthy ageing.
- Former smokers had a higher chance of healthy ageing (OR: 0.84).
- Higher wealth and income were associated with healthier ageing.
- Individuals reporting poor health were more likely to age negatively (OR: 0.22).
Takeaway
This study found that men and people with more money and education are more likely to stay healthy as they get older.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 8,340 participants aged 50+ over 6 waves of the Health and Retirement Study using multilevel analysis.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 50 and older, with a focus on socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.61–0.67 for females; 95% CI: 0.81–0.93 for Black individuals; 95% CI: 0.80–0.88 for former smokers; 95% CI: 0.20–0.23 for those reporting poor health.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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