Women’s Occupational Patterns and Later Life Physical Functioning

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 410-421
Author(s):  
Aimee J. Palumbo ◽  
Carolyn Cannuscio ◽  
Anneclaire J. De Roos ◽  
Lucy Robinson ◽  
Jana Mossey ◽  
...  

Objective: Timing and accumulation of work-related exposures may influence later life health. This study evaluates the association between women’s work patterns and physical functioning. Method: Work history and physical functioning information was collected at baseline for U.S. women ages 50 to 79 years in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study ( N = 75,507). We estimated life course workforce participation patterns using latent class analysis. Associations between work patterns and physical limitations were explored using modified Poisson regression. Results: Compared with working continuously, women who left the workforce early had 8% increased risk and women who worked intermittently had 5% reduced risk of physical limitations later in life. The negative association with intermittent workforce participation was stronger for women with substantively complex work (9% reduced risk) than for women with nonsubstantively complex work (2% reduced risk). Discussion: Life course work patterns and characteristics may contribute to physical functioning later in life among women.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S733-S733
Author(s):  
Yu-Chih Chen ◽  
Nancy Morrow-Howell

Abstract Wealth is fundamentally affected by various life course characteristics. However, little is known about the role of life course factors in shaping wealth trajectories in later life. This study explored how the longitudinal profiles of wealth varied by gender and race (white and non-white populations). Data came from the 2004-2014 Health and Retirement Study with 16,189 older adults aged 51 and older. With corrections for clustered effect within household, this study used growth mixture modeling (GMM) to identify the longitudinal patterns of wealth, and how these profiles varied by these two important life course attributes. The model began with a separate GMM model for race and gender to investigate the optimal latent class model. These results were combined using multi-group approach to incrementally examine the gender and race invariance using configural (same form), structural (same trajectory mean), dispersion (same trajectory variance), and distributional (same latent class size) test. Results identified four distinct wealth profiles—Stable high, Low and increasing, Stable low, and High but decline—for each race and gender category. The multigroup GMM analyses revealed that the wealth profiles varied by gender and race, but the degrees of variation differed a great deal, with results supporting a dispersion model for gender but a configural model for race. Results indicate that race has a stronger effect in shaping wealth development compared to gender. The findings suggest that understanding wealth disparities in later life could be facilitated by examining how wealth varies by gender and race.


2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056033
Author(s):  
Janet Hoek ◽  
Philip Gendall ◽  
Christine Eckert ◽  
Jordan Louviere ◽  
Pamela Ling ◽  
...  

BackgroundPolicymakers wishing to encourage smokers unable to quit to switch to using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) also need to consider how to deter ENDS use among non-smokers. We examined whether reduced-risk messages could increase ENDS’ appeal among smokers and if increased-risk messages could decrease appeal among susceptible non-smokers, occasional and former smokers.MethodologyAn online discrete choice experiment tested three attributes: information message, nicotine content (0 mg or 3 mg) and flavour (tobacco, menthol or fruit). The sample comprised 352 current smokers, 118 occasional and former smokers, and 216 ENDS-susceptible never smokers. Smokers viewed reduced-risk messages that encouraged switching to ENDS, while other groups viewed increased-risk messages that discouraged ENDS use. All groups saw a typical addiction warning. We analysed the data by estimating multinomial logit regression and adjusted latent class analysis models.ResultsRelative to no message, reduced risk-messages increased the appeal of ENDS uptake among one class of smokers (33.5%) but decreased appeal among other smokers. However, among all smokers, reduced-risk messages increased preference more than a dissuasive addiction warning. By contrast, among occasional or former smokers, and susceptible non-smokers, all information messages discouraging ENDS use, including an addiction warning, decreased preference relative to no message.ConclusionsOn-pack relative-risk messages about ENDS could make transition more attractive to smokers while increased-risk messages could deter ENDS uptake among susceptible non-smokers, occasional and former smokers. Communicating diverse messages via discrete channels could recognise heterogeneity among and between smokers and non-smokers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (7) ◽  
pp. 1200-1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim M Shuey ◽  
Andrea E Willson

Abstract Objectives In this article, we examine the connection between trajectories of work disability and economic precarity in late midlife. We conceptualize work disability as a possible mechanism linking early and later life economic disadvantage. Methods We model trajectories of work disability characterized by timing and stability for a cohort of Baby Boomers (22–32 in 1981) using 32 years of data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and latent class analysis. Measures of childhood disadvantage are included as predictors of work disability trajectories, which are subsequently included in logistic regression models predicting four economic outcomes (poverty, asset poverty, home ownership, and pension ownership) at ages 54–64. Results Childhood disadvantage selected individuals into five distinct classes of work disability that differed in timing and stability. All of the disability trajectories were associated with an increased risk of economic insecurity in late midlife compared to the never work disabled. Discussion This study contributes to the aging literature through its incorporation of the early life origins of pathways of disability and their links to economic outcomes approaching retirement. Findings suggest work disability is anchored in early life disadvantage and is associated with economic insecurity later in life.


2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 2057-2073 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Gale ◽  
A. Aihie Sayer ◽  
C. Cooper ◽  
E. M. Dennison ◽  
J. M. Starr ◽  
...  

BackgroundSymptoms of anxiety and depression are common in older people, but the relative importance of factors operating in early and later life in influencing risk is unclear, particularly in the case of anxiety.MethodWe used data from five cohorts in the Healthy Ageing across the Life Course (HALCyon) collaborative research programme: the Aberdeen Birth Cohort 1936, the Caerphilly Prospective Study, the Hertfordshire Ageing Study, the Hertfordshire Cohort Study and the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921. We used logistic regression to examine the relationship between factors from early and later life and risk of anxiety or depression, defined as scores of 8 or more on the subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and meta-analysis to obtain an overall estimate of the effect of each.ResultsGreater neuroticism, poorer cognitive or physical function, greater disability and taking more medications were associated in cross-sectional analyses with an increased overall likelihood of anxiety or depression. Associations between lower social class, either in childhood or currently, history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes and increased risk of anxiety or depression were attenuated and no longer statistically significant after adjustment for potential confounding or mediating variables. There was no association between birth weight and anxiety or depression in later life.ConclusionsAnxiety and depression in later life are both strongly linked to personality, cognitive and physical function, disability and state of health, measured concurrently. Possible mechanisms that might underlie these associations are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1040-1040
Author(s):  
Ziyao Xu

Abstract The US government is gradually shifting the full retirement age in Social Security to age 67. However, previous studies suggest that this shift could negatively impact the mental and physical health of retirees. To understand the potential impact of raising the full retirement age on the functional health of retirees, this longitudinal study examined changes in physical functioning over time in retirees by age at retirement. Twelve waves of the Health and Retirement Study (1994 – 2018) were used. A total of 8,261 retirees was included. The retirement age was a categorical variable: very early age (<62), early age (62-64), traditional age (65-67), and late age (>67). Physical functioning was measured using 15 Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. A GEE model was used to assess the relationship between the retirement age category and the number of functional limitations. In the adjusted model, after controlling for all the other variables including baseline health and functioning, late retirement was associated with an 8.9% increased risk of functional limitations compared to traditional age retirement (IRR: 0.91, 95% CI:0.84 –0.98). Compared to late retirees, the risk of functional limitations was increased by 28.6% in very early age retirees (IRR: 1.29, 95% CI:1.21–1.36). Compared to those retiring at traditional retirement age, those retiring late, after 67, have increased the risks of functional limitations. Although levels of disability could influence age of retirement, these results suggest that for some workers efforts to increase age of full retirement, could have negative effects.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 1011-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunsun Kwon ◽  
BoRin Kim ◽  
Hyunjoo Lee ◽  
Sojung Park

Objective: This study investigated patterns of depressive symptoms and whether socioeconomic status (SES) across the life course affects these trajectories using the critical period, accumulation, and social mobility models. Method: This study uses data from 8,532 adults, age 51 to 64, collected over 12 years from the Health and Retirement Study (observations = 25,887). A latent class analysis was performed to examine distinct depressive symptom trajectories; life course models were studied with multinomial logistic regression. Results: Four heterogeneous latent classes were identified for depression: Declining, Low, Increasing, and High and Increasing. The High and Increasing group was associated with a disadvantaged childhood SES, accumulated exposure to socioeconomic risks, and persistent SES disadvantage supporting the three life course models. Discussion: There was evidence of distinct profiles of depressive symptoms in late middle age and of interrelated life course mechanisms underlying the influences of childhood SES on later life depression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1443-1450
Author(s):  
Michael A. Clynes ◽  
Gregorio Bevilacqua ◽  
Karen A. Jameson ◽  
Cyrus Cooper ◽  
Elaine M. Dennison

Abstract Background Multimorbidity has been shown in several studies to relate to impaired physical function in later life. Aims To examine if self-report of multimorbidity predicts impaired physical functioning, as assessed by formal physical function testing, in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were self-reported by 443 older community-dwelling UK adults via questionnaire, asking the question: ‘Have you been told by a doctor that you have any of the following conditions?’ Assessments of walking speed, chair stands and balance allowed us to create a composite score (0–12) on which impaired physical functioning was defined as ≤ 9. Results The mean age of participants was 75.5 ± 2.5 years for men and 75.8 ± 2.6 for women. The proportion of individuals with impaired physical functioning was 71.2% in women and 56.9% in men. Having four or more NCDs was associated with an increased risk of poor physical function in men and women (p < 0.05). The number of medications and medicated systems was associated with gait speed (p < 0.03 and < 0.02, respectively) and timed up-and-go tests (p < 0.03 and < 0.02, respectively) in women but not men. Discussion and conclusion Self-report of 4 or more NCDs was associated with an increased risk of poor physical function, an outcome which has previously been associated with adverse clinical sequelae. This observation may inform development of a simple screening tool to look for poor physical function in older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thelma J. Mielenz ◽  
Sneha Kannoth ◽  
Qian-Li Xue

Importance: Few studies have addressed the combined effects of health-promoting and self-care behaviors among older adults. Thus, new research is needed to assess the potential for behavior change to prolong independence in later life.Objectives: To determine the relationships between self-care behaviors and risks of mobility and activities of daily living (ADLs) over time.Design: Longitudinal data was used from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) cohort. Eight baseline self-care behaviors were summarized using latent class analysis. Separately, longitudinal latent classes of mobility and ADLs were created.Setting: Annual in-person interviews conducted for a nationally representative sample.Participants: The baseline study sample included 7,609 Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 from NHATS who were living in community or residential care settings, with a 71% response rate. The average age was 75, with 57% female, 81% white and 78% high school graduates or higher. Approximately, 80% (n = 6,064) completed 5 years of follow-up.Exposures: Favorable vs. unfavorable self-care latent classes measured at baseline.Main outcomes and Measures: Associations were measured between baseline classes and longitudinal classes of mobility and ADLs difficulty. Among decedents, 5-year associations were measured between baseline classes and years of overall, healthy, able, and healthy/able life.Results: Two habitual baseline self-care behavioral patterns (46% favorable; 54% unfavorable) and three trajectories of change in mobility and ADLs disability (maintaining independence; shifting to accommodation/difficulty; shifting to assistance) emerged over time. Participants with a favorable baseline pattern had 92% (0.90–0.94) reduced risk in shifting to assistance class and 70% (0.64–0.76) reduced risk for shifting to accommodation/difficulty class for mobility disability. Participants with a favorable baseline pattern had 86% (0.83–0.89) reduced risk in shifting to assistance class and 24% (0.11–0.36) reduced risk in shifting to accommodation/difficulty class for ADLs disability. Those with an unfavorable pattern had 2.54 times greater risk of mortality by the end of the 5-year follow-up compared to those with a favorable pattern.Conclusion: Self-care behaviors in older age represent a habitual pattern. A favorable self-care behavioral pattern decreased the risk of moving towards a more disabled profile and added years of life. Interventions should encourage self-care behaviors constituting a favorable pattern.


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