A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan found that low-wage earners experience accelerated cognitive decline in old age compared to their higher-wage counterparts.

The Study

The study, which was funded by the National Institute on Aging, looked at data from the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal study of Americans aged 50 and older.

The researchers analyzed cognitive function and income data from more than 6,000 participants, all of whom were followed for at least 16 years.

Results

The study found that low-wage earners experienced a more rapid decline in cognitive function as they aged compared to those with higher incomes.

On average, those in the lowest income quartile had cognitive function scores that were equivalent to those of someone two years older in the highest quartile.

The study also found that the link between low income and cognitive decline was stronger in women than in men.

Women in the lowest income quartile had cognitive function scores that were equivalent to those of someone almost four years older in the highest quartile.

Possible Explanations

The study did not explore the reasons behind the link between low income and cognitive decline, but the researchers offered several possible explanations.

One possibility is that low-income individuals have less access to healthcare, leading to a higher rate of health problems that can affect cognitive function, such as diabetes and hypertension.

Low-income individuals may also be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and a poor diet, which can also contribute to cognitive decline.

Another possibility is that low-income individuals are exposed to more stress, which can have a negative impact on cognitive function over time.

Financial insecurity, poor working conditions, and lack of control over one’s life can all contribute to chronic stress.

Implications

The findings of this study have important implications for policymakers and healthcare providers.

They suggest that efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of low-wage earners, particularly women, could have a significant impact on cognitive function in old age.

One possible intervention is to increase access to healthcare for low-income individuals. This could include expanding Medicaid or implementing other policies that make healthcare more affordable and accessible.

Another intervention would be to address the root causes of financial insecurity and stress, such as by increasing the minimum wage or improving working conditions for low-wage workers.

This could not only improve cognitive function but also have a range of other positive health outcomes.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing income inequality and its impact on health outcomes.

By taking steps to improve the health and wellbeing of low-wage earners, we could not only improve their quality of life but also reduce healthcare costs and improve cognitive function in old age.