Future Health of Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Rehkopf David, Furstenberg Frank, Jackson Christian, Rowe John
Primary Institution: Stanford University
Hypothesis
How have physical and mental health trends changed for different income levels among older adults from 2003 to 2022?
Conclusion
The current population aged 50 to 59 will enter retirement with worse health than previous generations, especially among lower-income groups.
Supporting Evidence
- There are dramatic differences in health outcomes by income level.
- Lower-income groups experienced increases in days with bad health.
- The trends are most notable in individuals aged 50 to 59.
Takeaway
Older people today might be less healthy when they retire compared to those who retired in the past, especially if they have less money.
Methodology
Analysis of self-reported health data from over seven million individuals using the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Limitations
Trends were not explained by race, BMI, or smoking, and there are substantial differences across U.S. States.
Participant Demographics
Data includes individuals from various income levels across the U.S.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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