England (Commonwealth Union) – Access to better resources in affluent versus non-affluent areas is a common issue in most parts of the world. A new study reveals that residing in affluent vs non-affluent goes beyond resources and could in fact lead frailty.
The study revealed that residing in deprived locations for people over 40 years brings about more frailty in men and women and even childhoods residing in underprivileged areas are also connected to frailty in later life in men as indicated by the men. Experts suggest that revealing the principal reasons could bring about of measures to further enhance healthy ageing and bring down inequalities.
University of Edinburgh have conducted the first study examining the effects that residing in underprivileged locations at various stages of life has on frailty in older persons. Until now, the lasting effects of residing in deprived areas has on frailty, a condition that can make elderly individuals feel weak and bring down their ability to recover from sickness and injury was poorly known.
Dr Gergő Baranyi of the School of Geosciences stated that the United Nations predicts that by 2050 the number of elderly persons will double globally and most will suffer from age-related conditions, such as frailty. Knowing the aspects of our lives that might reduce the deterioration in health and functioning is crucial, and the research demonstrates that the areas where we live include these.
The study also showed that the greater time men spent residing in underprivileged areas during their earliest years and mid-to-late adulthood, led to an increased possibility they would be frail by age 70.
Professor Jamie Pearce of the School of Geosciences stated that the results of the study demonstrate that the types of places we reside throughout our lives effects our health much later in life, including the level of frailty in older age. “Identifying why living in a socially disadvantaged neighborhood at different points during life translates into worse health outcomes offers an opportunity to enhance healthy ageing and reduce inequalities,” he said.
