The Risk For Mobility Limitation In Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional European Study

Abstract

In older people is of great interest understand the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health risk factors. We developed the Risk for Mobility Limitation (RML) as an enhanced indicator to classify older adults. Then through concentration index (CI) and structural equation modelling we analyse the relationship between SES and RML. Based on CI, the results show RML distribution inequalities in all Europe and mediation analyses confirm these findings even the presence of mediating variables. Furthermore, vigorous physical activity is the most important mediating variable. Another significant role of SES in reducing RML is that of improving mental health.