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Childhood socioeconomic position and disability in later life: Results of the health and retirement study

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  • Bowen, M.E.
  • González, H.M.

Abstract

Objectives. We used a life course approach to assess the ways in which childhood socioeconomic position may be associated with disability in later life. Methods. We used longitudinal data from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (1998-2006) to examine associations between parental education, paternal occupation, and disabilities relating to activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Results. Respondents whose fathers had low levels of education and those whose fathers were absent or had died while they were growing up were at increased risk of disability in later life, net of social, behavioral, and pathological health risks in adulthood. Social mobility and health behaviors were also important factors in the association between low childhood socioeconomic position and ADL and IADL disabilities. Conclusions. Our findings highlight the need for policies and programs aimed at improving the well-being of both children and families. A renewed commit-ment to such initiatives may help reduce health care costs and the need for people to use health and social services in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • Bowen, M.E. & González, H.M., 2010. "Childhood socioeconomic position and disability in later life: Results of the health and retirement study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(S1), pages 197-203.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2009.160986_9
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.160986
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    Cited by:

    1. Fahy, A.E. & Stansfeld, S.A. & Smuk, M. & Lain, D. & van der Horst, M. & Vickerstaff, S. & Clark, C., 2017. "Longitudinal associations of experiences of adversity and socioeconomic disadvantage during childhood with labour force participation and exit in later adulthood," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 80-87.
    2. Schaan, Barbara, 2014. "The interaction of family background and personal education on depressive symptoms in later life," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 94-102.
    3. Elizabeth M. Lawrence & Richard G. Rogers & Anna Zajacova, 2016. "Educational Attainment and Mortality in the United States: Effects of Degrees, Years of Schooling, and Certification," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 35(4), pages 501-525, August.
    4. Helgertz, Jonas & Vågerö, Denny, 2014. "Small for gestational age and adulthood risk of disability pension: The contribution of childhood and adulthood conditions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 249-257.
    5. Shervin Assari, 2018. "Diminished Economic Return of Socioeconomic Status for Black Families," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 7(5), pages 1-10, May.
    6. John Robert Warren, 2016. "Does Growing Childhood Socioeconomic Inequality Mean Future Inequality in Adult Health?," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 663(1), pages 292-330, January.
    7. Jennifer Montez & Mark Hayward, 2014. "Cumulative Childhood Adversity, Educational Attainment, and Active Life Expectancy Among U.S. Adults," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 51(2), pages 413-435, April.

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