Gender, Socioeconomic Status, and Health in Later Life

Abstract: This study aimed to examine if there are gender differences in health that vary by education after midlife (age 50 years) across 17 different European countries. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe in 2015, the study applied multilevel linear regression models to investigate gender differences in frailty index. The results showed that the protective effect of education on frailty index is stronger for women than for men. Furthermore, the study found that the influence of education on health is more prominent for women than for men in Southern, Western, and Eastern European countries. However, in Northern Europe, no substantial gender disparity in health outcomes based on SES was observed. Lastly, the study highlighted an age-related gradient in gender disparities in frailty. The results of this study highlights the importance of taking into account the complex interaction between gender, education, health, and welfare regimes when designing policies and interventions to enhance the health of older populations.