Comparing Predictors of Positive and Negative Self-Rated Health Between Younger (25-54) and Older (55+) Canadian Adults

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to explore age variations in predictors of positive and negative self-rated health and examine whether the determinants of positive and negative self-rated health are mirror images. Longitudinal data were used from the National Population Health Survey for a nationally representative cohort of Canadians aged 25 years and older ( N = 9,371) to predict positive and negative self-rated health among younger and older Canadian adults separately. Self-rated health was confirmed as a multidimensional concept. There were variations in determinants of positive and negative self-rated health for the younger and the older Canadian adults. Determinants of self-rated health include but are not limited to physical health and functioning. Self-rated health is a dynamic evaluation influenced by changes over time in individuals' physical and psychosocial health, genetic endowment, socioeconomic status and health behaviors. Determinants of positive and negative self-rated health are not mirror images.