Socioeconomic status and the Black-White mortality crossover

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to health outcomes.
• The Black-White mortality crossover, where Black adults historically had lower mortality rates than White adults at older ages, is a complex phenomenon.
• Understanding SES's role in mortality disparities is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between age, race, SES, and mortality in older adults.
• To determine if low SES contributes to the Black-White mortality crossover.

Main Methods:

• Utilized panel data from the North Carolina Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly.
• Employed discrete-time hazard models to analyze main and interactive effects of SES on mortality.

Main Results:

• Low education showed a consistent association with mortality, irrespective of race or age, but primarily significant in men.
• For women, low income's effect on mortality diminished with age and minimally impacted the crossover.
• Low income in men varied by race and age, influencing the Black-White crossover and creating low-high income crossovers in advanced age.

Conclusions:

• Low education and income are associated with increased mortality risk in older adults.
• Low income significantly influences the Black-White mortality crossover, especially in men.
• Preventing selective mortality among Black and low-SES individuals earlier in life is key to reducing later-life mortality differentials.