Title | Trajectories of functional health: the 'long arm' of childhood health and socioeconomic factors. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2008 |
Authors | Haas, SA |
Journal | Soc Sci Med |
Volume | 66 |
Issue | 4 |
Pagination | 849-61 |
Date Published | 2008 Feb |
ISSN Number | 0277-9536 |
Call Number | newpubs20080229_haas.pdf |
Keywords | Aged, Child, Female, Health Behavior, Health Status Disparities, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Social Class, Socioeconomic factors |
Abstract | Few studies have specifically examined trajectories of functional health status or estimated the extent to which they are influenced by childhood health and socioeconomic conditions. This study examines how circumstances associated with early life may shape the level and progression of functional limitations among adults at or near retirement. Employing data from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS), it estimates latent growth curve models (LGM) of functional limitation. The results demonstrate that functional health trajectories in old age continue to be shaped by childhood health and socioeconomic circumstances. Poor childhood health and disadvantaged social origins are associated with both more functional limitations at baseline and higher rates of increase over time. This association is net of baseline adult chronic disease and socioeconomic status. While both childhood and adult factors influence the baseline level of functional limitation, only childhood health and socioeconomic status are associated with the rate of change in limitations over time. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.11.004 |
User Guide Notes | |
Endnote Keywords | childhood conditions/Socioeconomic Factors/RETIREMENT/Health Status--ADL limitations |
Endnote ID | 18730 |
Alternate Journal | Soc Sci Med |
Citation Key | 7210 |
PubMed ID | 18158208 |