Material Disadvantage and Cardiovascular Health among Urban Older Adults in Latin America

Antwan Jones, The George Washington University

The ageing population is a significant global trend, intensifying the focus on late-life mortality and chronic disease prevalence. This study examines how childhood and adult socioeconomic conditions influence cardiovascular health among the elderly in Latin America—a region experiencing rapid demographic shifts. Projections indicate a 42% increase in Latin America's population from 2003 to 2050, with the elderly population growing from 4% to 17%. This demographic transition is associated with an elevated burden of chronic diseases and increased demand for health and social services. Utilizing data from a multinational survey of individuals aged 60 and older, this research investigates the impact of life course socioeconomic factors on heart health in this region. The study aims to discern whether socioeconomic disadvantage or medical awareness, reflecting improved health behaviors, plays a more significant role in cardiovascular outcomes. The findings will provide insights into how socioeconomic conditions and healthcare advancements shape elderly health in lesser-developed settings, highlighting the interplay between material conditions and health behaviors in predicting cardiovascular well-being among older adults in Latin America. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted public health strategies and policies to address the evolving needs of this growing demographic.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Health and Morbidity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See extended abstract.