Influence of social determinants of health in the evolution of the quality of life of older adults in Europe: A comparative analysis between men and women

Autor: Rafael Llorens-Ortega, Carmen Bertran-Noguer, Dolors Juvinyà-Canals, Josep Garre-Olmo, Cristina Bosch-Farré
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, Vol 11, Iss 1, Pp 1-13 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2662-9992
DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-02899-5
Popis: Abstract Population aging is a global phenomenon due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy. This demographic shift poses a challenge to society, requiring adaptation of policies, economies, and healthcare systems to safeguard the well-being of older individuals. Health inequalities, influenced by social determinants such as education, economic status, and place of residence, impact this population group, with notable differences between men and women. Several studies have demonstrated that social determinants of health (SDH) affect the quality of life (QoL) of older individuals, especially women. In general, women report lower quality of life indicators, lower educational levels, and poorer health compared to men. This study aims to examine how social determinants of health can influence the quality of life of the population aged 50 or older in different European countries, from a sex perspective, through a longitudinal approach. The main SDHs associated with poorer QoL were female sex advanced age, economic hardship, educational level, and geographic location within Europe. Depression in women and men in Southern Europe was associated with a decrease in QoL scores.
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