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A Formal Investigation of Inequalities in Health Behaviours After Age 50 on the Island of Ireland

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  • Eibhlin Hudson

    (Trinity College Dublin)

  • David Madden

    (University College Dublin)

  • Irene Mosca

    (Trinity College Dublin)

Abstract

To examine income-related inequality in smoking, low physical activity and frequent alcohol consumption we calculate concentration indices using data on older adults from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Smoking and low physical activity are more concentrated among those with lower incomes in both regions, while frequent alcohol consumption is more concentrated among those with higher incomes. Although results for the two jurisdictions are quite similar, low levels of physical exercise appears to be more highly concentrated amongst lower income groups in the North. In conclusion, inequalities in health behaviours exist among older people on the Island of Ireland.

Suggested Citation

  • Eibhlin Hudson & David Madden & Irene Mosca, 2015. "A Formal Investigation of Inequalities in Health Behaviours After Age 50 on the Island of Ireland," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 46(2), pages 233-265.
    • Handle: RePEc:eso:journl:v:46:y:2015:i:2:p:233-265
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mosquera, Paola A. & San Sebastian, Miguel & Waenerlund, Anna-Karin & Ivarsson, Anneli & Weinehall, Lars & Gustafsson, Per E., 2016. "Income-related inequalities in cardiovascular disease from mid-life to old age in a Northern Swedish cohort: A decomposition analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 135-144.
    2. McGovern, Mark E., 2014. "Comparing the relationship between stature and later life health in six low and middle income countries," The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, Elsevier, vol. 4(C), pages 128-148.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    inequality; health; Ireland;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination

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