How Do The Better Educated Do It? Socioeconomic Status And The Ability To Cope With Underlying Impairment

Our analysis considers two primary issues. First, we ask how much of this gradient in health is a result of underlying differences in functioning versus the ability to cope with impairments. We show that while the bulk of the difference is a result of underlying functioning—the better off have much less difficulty with these measures even in the absence of help—coping is important as well. The better educated are less likely to have functional disabilities in the first place, and cope with them better when they occur.