title: Income health inequalities among older persons: the mediating role of multiple risk exposures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We examine whether the pervasive income gradient in health among senior citizens can be explained in part by multiple risk exposure.
  
  
  METHODS
  A representative sample of 457 older persons (M = 74.29 years) living independently at home were assessed in a longitudinal study. Health was assessed with a standard self-report index. Risks included loss of a loved one, caregiver burden, low housing quality, and low social integration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prospective link between income and subsequent health 2 years later is largely explained by exposure to a confluence of multiple risk factors during the 2-year period. These findings incorporate controls for negative affectivity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-income, older persons are significantly more likely to have lost a loved one or close friend, be burdened by extensive caregiving demands for someone else, be more socially isolated, and live in lower quality housing. These risk exposures, in turn, largely account for the prospective link between income and health.
authors: Departments of Environmental Analysis and Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401, USA. gwe1@cornell.edu
authors: Gary W
authors: GW
authors: Evans
authors: Elaine
authors: E
authors: Wethington
authors: Meredith
authors: M
authors: Coleman
authors: Margo
authors: M
authors: Worms
authors: Edward A
authors: EA
authors: Frongillo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006304:Health Status; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D017805:Widowhood