A study conducted by specialists from Brazil and Spain reveals that functional deterioration linked to aging begins, on average, about ten years earlier in the Brazilian population than in the European one, "which highlights the social disparities" between both regions.
The study, published in the scientific journal 'PLOS One' and signed, among others, by researchers from the University of Vic (UVic) and the Research and Innovation Institute in Life and Health Sciences of Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC) Vinicius Rosa Oliveira and Eduard Minobes-Molina, concludes that these differences "can hinder healthy aging."
To reach these conclusions, existing data from more than 30,000 people over 50 years old were analyzed: 4,825 from Brazil and 25,978 from various European countries. From this sample, the authors found that "functional risks diverged significantly."
Comparative analysis of mobility and vitality
In the area of mobility, the results show that grip strength, understood as the ability to squeeze or exert force with the hand, acts as a stronger protective factor in Europe. In contrast, in Brazil, walking speed is associated with a relevant risk of deterioration in basic activities of daily living (BADL), with an odds ratio (OR) of 16 percent.
Regarding vitality, the work indicates that weight loss is related to a significant risk of worsening in BADL among Europeans, with an OR of 18 percent. In the cognitive realm, low self-perceived memory capacity poses a comparable risk in both populations, with an OR of 23 percent in Europe and 22 percent in Brazil.
Psychological and sensory impact on functionality
The psychological component has also been subject to evaluation. In Europe, depression represents a higher independent risk, with an OR ranging between 67 and 71 percent. In Brazil, however, a negative self-perception of one's own health weighs more, which is associated with an OR of 72 percent.
Likewise, the sensory function has been assessed. In Brazil, hearing disability is linked to a higher risk of limitations in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL, for its acronym in English), with an OR of 27 percent. In Europe, on the contrary, it is visual disability that appears as a significant factor, with an OR of 32 percent.
Functional dependence appears earlier in Brazil
Overall, the authors point out that functional dependence in IADL manifests earlier in the Brazilian population, starting in the age group of 60 to 69 years. In Europe, the significant risk of loss of autonomy is delayed by approximately a decade. "Functional limitations are predominantly concentrated in people with lower educational levels and incomes, due to prolonged exposure to poverty and lower academic training throughout life," they note, adding that "these factors accelerate the onset of chronic diseases and the consequent loss of functionality."
In light of this scenario, the researchers argue that the strategies of "Integrated Care for Older People" (ICOPE, for its acronym in English) from the World Health Organization (WHO) "must be adapted to each social context to promote healthy and equitable aging." In their opinion, "global aging patterns are highly heterogeneous, especially in contexts of socioeconomic diversity."