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KMID : 0828520130170030111
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Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
2013 Volume.17 No. 3 p.111 ~ p.117
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Life course approach on health disparities in older adults
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Jang Soong-Nang
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Abstract
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Background: Considering social, economic, health disparities over the life course among older adults demands that we should consider how such disparities arise and how they are maintained over the generations.
Methods: In this review, I summarized concepts of life course approach on health disparities and theoretical models as a dynamic function of social positioning, time, period, and cohort differences. Through accessed and reviewed several studies from Korea and other countries, I also summarized current previous literatures in terms of various health outcomes including chronic diseases, functional limitation, and cognitive function which are related with factors over the life course.
Results: The first part of this paper addressed framework and approaches to understanding lifetime influences on late life inequalities in health. The second part presented specific examples of late life disparities and their potential sources including chronic diseases, cognitive function, and disability. Context is considered broadly and includes early life experiences, generational memberships and family influences. The third part addressed the role of specific contextual influences. The final section in this review summarized the limitation of life course approach and implementations for intervention.
Conclusions: In geriatric medicine, it needs to expand the focus of medical intervention and research into earlier age, wider range from individual to community and society, and various factors.
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KEYWORD
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Life course approach, Health inequalities, Older adults
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