Functioning Outcomes at Older Working Ages by Income Groups: Comparing the US with 11 European Countries
2024

Functioning Outcomes at Older Working Ages by Income Groups

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Choi HwaJung, Jivraj Stephen, Fors Stefan

Primary Institution: University of Michigan

Hypothesis

This study examines physical and cognitive function for low vs. high-income working-age adults in the U.S. compared to 11 European countries.

Conclusion

Older working-age adults in the U.S. are more likely to have difficulties with daily activities compared to their European counterparts, especially among low-income groups.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older working-age adults in the U.S. have a higher prevalence of ADL limitations compared to European countries.
  • The lowest income group in the U.S. has a 30% prevalence of ADL limitations, significantly higher than the 4%-13% in European countries.
  • Those in the highest income group in the U.S. have similar ADL difficulties to most European countries but greater IADL difficulties.

Takeaway

This study found that older adults in the U.S. who earn less have a much harder time with daily tasks than those in Europe.

Methodology

The study used a pooled cross-sectional analysis to estimate differences in activities of daily living and cognitive function.

Participant Demographics

Working-age adults aged 55-64 years from the U.S. and 11 European countries.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0442

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