Social Inequalities in Grip Strength, Physical Function, and Falls Among Community Dwelling Older Men and Women

Abstract

Objectives: To explore social inequalities in grip strength, SF-36 physical functioning (PF), and falls among older people. Methods: We analyzed data from 3,225 men and women (age 59-73 years) who participated in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, United Kingdom. Car availability and home ownership were used as markers of material deprivation. Results: A total of 6.4% of men (17.7% women) had no car and 19.3% of men (23.1% women) did not own their home. Having fewer cars was associated with lower grip and poorer PF among men and women ( p < .001), and increased falls among men ( p < .001). Not owning one’s home was associated with lower grip in men and women ( p < .001) and poorer PF in men ( p < .001). Lower social class was associated with falls among women only ( p = .01). Discussion: There are social inequalities in grip strength, PF, and falls among older people. Interventions should consider the contribution of social inequalities to the problem.