The Division for Inclusive Social Development (UN) published an in-depth report about the root causes of old age inequalities and disabilities

The Division for Inclusive Social Development (UN) published an in-depth report about the root causes of old age inequalities and disabilities

The Division for Inclusive Social Development, part of the United Nation’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs, published its report named “Old Age Inequality Begins At Birth: Life Course Influences On Late-Life Disability” on the 4^th of January. The report takes an inter-generational and cross-national analysis of the causes leading to adverse health and mental conditions in the elderly. The findings state that unequal ageing and disability are caused by factors present in the early stage of an individual’s life. Education is to be found as the primary social determinant of later life health. While education plays a role in augmenting or diminishing individuals’ exposition to risk factors, physically demanding jobs constitute a risk for developing a physical disability around the age of fifty. Ultimately, the policy recommendations are set on the idea that to address old age health issues we should instead focus on early age life conditions.

Read the full report here.