Social and geographic inequalities associated with functional limitations in the older population of Argentina

Abstract

To the increase in the prevalence of disability in older ages, as a consequence of the aging process itself, is added the cumulative effect that social determinants of health have over time. The objective of this work is to simultaneously analyze sociodemographic, socioeconomic and geographic factors associated with functional limitations in older people in Argentina, and to identify situations of inequality. By using the data from the National Census of Population, Household and Housing 2010, we analyzed the spatial relationship between the age-standardized limitations rate and the educational level, and we applied a multivariate logistic regression model, comparing the older population with and without limitations. The results show an unequal distribution in the prevalence and risk of having functional limitations, which affects to a greater extent socioeconomic disadvantaged groups and spaces. The reduction of social inequities is key in the prevention of those disabilities that can be avoidable.