Social inequality in dynamic balance performance in an early old age Spanish population: The role of health and life style associated factors

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This study investigates the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and dynamic balance performance and whether lifestyle factors explained any possible associations. A total of 448 nondisabled individuals, age-range 54–75 years and enrolled in the Active Aging Longitudinal Study of Spain in 2006, constituted the study population. Baseline data of this cross-sectional study were obtained by personal interviews and objective measures of balance performance. The present study shows an educational gradient in poor dynamic balance, where individuals with no formal education had higher risk of poor balance, also after adjustment for age, gender, obesity and physical activity. In addition, obesity and sedentary physical activity were related to poor dynamic balance. The findings suggest an independent effect of both SES and behavioral factors on poor balance performance in the older Spanish population.

Original languageEnglish
JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Volume54
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)139-145
Number of pages7
ISSN0167-4943
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2012

ID: 40316750