Long-term consequences of education, working conditions, and health-related behaviors on mortality patterns in older age. A 17-year observational study in Kraków, Poland.

OBJECTIVES

Many studies have analyzed the impact of socioeconomic factors and working conditions on health inequalities in working age adults. However, fewer reports focused on older age workers. The aim of this longitudinal study was to assess the influence of education, occupational status, and health-related behavior on mortality patterns in older age.

METHODS

Data for analysis derive from a study performed in 1986-1987 on a population sample of 2580 individuals (1703 women and 877 men) randomly selected from 8055 persons aged over 65 years who were residents of the Old Town area in Kraków, Poland. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire regarding education, occupational status, profession, importance attached to work and other life values, early retirement/disability pension due to health condition as well as sociodemographic data and medical history. Mortality data compiled from death records for a 17-year period of time were analyzed. Cox multivariate proportional hazard models were used to analyze independent predictors and estimate mortality risk.

RESULTS

This risk tended to significantly increase with a decreasing level of education. For males with higher education, caring for one's health in the past was the factor that significantly contributed to increased mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Working conditions were found to have a significant influence on mortality risk in older age. Different patterns of mortality risk were noted for men and women.