Browsing by Subject "life course"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    The Impact of Multiple Dimensions of Socioeconomic Status on Physical Functioning Across the Life Course.
    (Gerontology & geriatric medicine, 2018-01) Noppert, Grace A; Brown, Candace S; Chanti-Ketterl, Marianne; Hall, Katherine S; Newby, L Kristin; Cohen, Harvey Jay; Morey, Miriam C
    Objective: We used the Physical Performance Across the LifeSpan Study to investigate the relationships of multiple indicators of socioeconomic status (SES), both in early life and late life, with physical function. Method: We examined associations between multiple early and late life SES indicators with physical function measured by aerobic endurance, gait speed, and lower body strength. Results: Higher participant education and household income were associated with increased physical function. In our age-stratified analysis, we observed widening SES disparities with increasing age among those in the two younger strata with lower SES associated with worse physical function. Finally, we observed an association between socioeconomic trend and gait speed, aerobic endurance, and lower body strength. There was also an association between lower aerobic endurance and being in a downward socioeconomic trend. Discussion: These findings highlight the significance of considering multiple dimensions of the social environment as important correlates of physical functioning across the life course.
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    Understanding the Context for Long-Term Care Planning.
    (Med Care Res Rev, 2016-06) Broyles, Ila H; Sperber, Nina R; Voils, Corrine I; Konetzka, R Tamara; Coe, Norma B; Van Houtven, Courtney Harold
    Evolving family structure and economic conditions may affect individuals' ability and willingness to plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs. We applied life course constructs to analyze focus group data from a study of family decision making about LTC insurance. Participants described how past exposure to caregiving motivated them to engage in LTC planning; in contrast, child rearing discouraged LTC planning. Perceived institutional and economic instability drove individuals to regard financial LTC planning as either a wise precaution or another risk. Perceived economic instability also shaped opinions that adult children are ill-equipped to support parents' LTC. Despite concerns about viability of social insurance programs, some participants described strategies to maximize gains from them. Changing norms around aging and family roles also affected expectations of an active older age, innovative LTC options, and limitations to adult children's involvement. Understanding life course context can inform policy efforts to encourage LTC planning.