Historical Change in Midlife Trajectories of Physical Health: A Cross-National Approach
2024

Changes in Midlife Health Across Countries

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Cruz-Carrillo Yesenia, Infurna Frank, Dey Nutifafa, Wettstein Markus, Grimm Kevin, Lachman Margie, Gerstorf Denis

Primary Institution: Arizona State University

Hypothesis

The study aims to describe the similarities and differences in historical change of midlife development in self-rated health, health conditions, and grip strength across different nations.

Conclusion

Middle-aged adults in the U.S. are experiencing declines in self-rated health and grip strength, while improvements are seen in other countries like Mexico, Europe, South Korea, and China.

Supporting Evidence

  • Later-born cohorts in the U.S. report poorer health than earlier cohorts.
  • Historical declines in self-rated health and grip strength were found in the U.S.
  • Improvements in self-rated health were observed in Mexico, Europe, South Korea, and China.

Takeaway

This study looks at how health in middle age has changed over time in different countries, finding that people in the U.S. are not doing as well as those in other places.

Methodology

The study used harmonized data from longitudinal panel surveys from multiple countries to analyze health trends.

Participant Demographics

Middle-aged adults from the U.S., Mexico, Europe, South Korea, and China.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1782

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