Cross-sectional predictors of health status among older adults living in a low income community

Increased understanding about the etiology of having poor health status in older people has led to the recognition that social factors play a major role in health status. Few studies, however, have investigated the degree to which social capital constructs relate to health status among the undeserved older adults in a low income community. The purpose of this study was to examine the relative contribution of demographic and social capital factors to health outcomes in Flint, MI. The subjects were selected from the Speaking to Your Health Community Survey 2009. Eligibility criteria included adults, ages 65 years and older, living in Flint, Michigan. Hierarchical regression models were created using M-plus to examine the relationship of perceived neighborhoods characteristics and demographic characteristics to self-rated health, body mass index (BMI), and chronic conditions. Of the 217 participants, a large percentage were Caucasian or African American (48%) women (73%) with low education levels (52% ≤ high school or GED), married or committed relationship (39%) and retired (78%). Their mean age was 74.14 (SD=7.02). In the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, perceived fear of crime and chronic conditions predicted decreased self-rated health. Social participation predicted decreased BMI. Perceived fear of crime and decreased social support predicted chronic conditions. Perceived racism was not associated with health outcomes. The importance of the intervention programs targeting safety and social support in a community will be discussed