Gradient of Disability across the Socioeconomic Spectrum

Many in Publlc Heal;th have been concerned about the socioeconmic differentials in prevelance of disease and disability. Now from the NEJM this week, Meredith Minkler et al. report on whether a gradient in disability exists in the United States among persons with middle-class and upper-class incomes, not just lowest incomes.
A social-class gradient was observed for both men and women between the ages of 55 and 84, a gradient that held true even at the upper rungs of the socioeconomic ladder. For example, in comparison to persons between the ages of 55 and 64 who lived at 700 percent of the poverty line or above, persons of the same age but below the poverty line had six times the odds of reporting a functional limitation. With increasing income, the odds ratio declined. A significant gradient was present up to, but not beyond, the age of 85 years.
Ref:Volume 355:695-703 August 17, 2006 Number 7 Meredith Minkler, Dr.P.H., et Al - Gradient of Disability across the Socioeconomic Spectrum in the United States