Citation

Haq KS, Penning MJ. J. Aging Health 2019; ePub(ePub): 898264319853137.

Affiliation

University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0898264319853137

PMID

31165665

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were (a) to assess the nature and extent of racial disparities in cognitive functioning among older adults in Canada, and (b) to assess the role of socioeconomic factors and patterned health behaviors as social determinants of racial disparities in cognitive functioning.

METHOD: Data were drawn from the 2009-2010 Canadian Community Health Survey. The study sample included 20,646 people aged 60 years or older. Ordered logistic regression analyses were carried out to test hypotheses linking race, socioeconomic factors, and patterned health behaviors, and cognitive functioning.

RESULTS: Our findings revealed a racial gap in cognitive functioning among older adults in Canada. This gap was, in part, mediated by socioeconomic inequalities (in income and food security) and socially patterned behaviors (i.e., drinking, physical activity levels). However, socioeconomic status (SES) and behavioral factors appeared to operate independently of one another.

DISCUSSION: The findings suggest a need to focus on the direct effects of race as well as its indirect effects, through socioeconomic factors and patterned health behaviors, for an understanding of racial disparities in cognitive functioning.

Language: en

Keywords

Canada; aging; cognitive functioning; racial disparities; social determinants