Perception of unmet basic needs as a predictor of mortality among community-dwelling older adults

Dan G Blazer, Natalie Sachs-Ericsson, Celia F Hybels, Dan G Blazer, Natalie Sachs-Ericsson, Celia F Hybels

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to determine whether, among older adults (>65 years), a perception that their basic needs are not being met increased mortality risk and whether this risk varied by race/ethnicity.

Methods: We used Cox proportional hazards modeling to estimate the effect of perceived inadequacy in having one's basic needs (adequacy of income, quality of housing, and neighborhood safety) met on 10-year mortality rates.

Results: After control for age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income, and cognitive and functional status at baseline, perceived inadequacy in having one's basic needs met was shown to be a significant predictor of mortality (P<.0001), but no significant differences by race/ethnicity were observed.

Conclusions: Perceived inadequacy in having one's basic needs met predicted mortality during a 10-year follow-up among community-dwelling elderly persons.

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