A study conducted by researchers from Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) has found that lower wealth is associated with accelerated physical decline and reduced functional ability among older adults. The analysis, which assessed health data from nearly 32,000 individuals aged 50 to 85 in the United Kingdom and Canada, highlights disparities in aging tied to socioeconomic status.

The researchers examined various markers of physical health, including walking speed, grip strength, lung capacity, hearing, and the ability to perform essential daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and eating. Their findings indicate that individuals with lower wealth experience greater declines in mobility and function compared to their wealthier counterparts. For example, the study found that a 60-year-old in England with low wealth often has the walking speed comparable to a wealthier 75-year-old.

While the study’s findings are correlational, the research team noted that the relationship between socioeconomic status and health persisted even after accounting for factors such as health behaviors, body weight, chronic illnesses, and social connections. However, they acknowledged certain limitations, including the absence of data on childhood conditions and access to private healthcare, which may impact longer-term health outcomes.

This research contributes to a growing body of evidence linking socioeconomic inequality to differences in physical aging. Previous studies, including one published in 2020 by researchers at University College London, have reported that socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with earlier onset of age-related decline, including reduced walking speed and memory.

The cross-country nature of the study allowed the team to explore regional and sex differences in aging trajectories. Stephanie Schrempft of HUG noted that low socioeconomic status affects men and women differently. According to her, women with lower wealth tend to face more challenges related to mobility and daily functioning but show better lung function compared to men in similar economic circumstances.

The researchers emphasize the importance of considering socioeconomic factors when addressing health disparities in aging populations, as their findings underscore how financial resources shape both physical capabilities and biological aging processes.