Determinants of Self-Rated Health Disparities among Independent Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Age-Stratified Analysis

Abstract

In response to the distinctive healthcare requirements of independent, healthy, community-dwelling older adults in Japan and other developed countries with aging populations, the current study examined the differences in factors associated with self-rated health (SRH) between the following two age groups: young–old (65–74) and old–old (75 and above). Age-stratified analysis was used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique health challenges faced by these demographic segments and to inform the development of targeted interventions and health policies to improve their well-being. The results of a cross-sectional study of 846 older adults in Yokohama, Japan, who completed self-administered questionnaires, revealed that high SRH was consistently linked with the low prevalence of concurrent medical issues in both age groups (<75 and ≥75) (β: −0.323, p < 0.001 in the <75 group; β: −0.232, p < 0.001 in the ≥75 group) and increased subjective well-being (β: 0.357, p < 0.001 in the <75 group; β: 0.244, p < 0.001 in the ≥75 group). Within the ≥75 age group, higher SRH was associated with more favorable economic status (β: 0.164, p < 0.001) and increased engagement in social activities (β: 0.117, p = 0.008), even after adjusting for age, sex, and economic status. These findings may inform the development of targeted interventions and policies to enhance the well-being of this growing population in Japan and other developed countries.