Abstract:
Utilizing data from the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Survey (La Encuesta sobre Salud,Bienestar, y Envejecimiento), this study analyzes the health status of adults over age 60 in five Latin American countries: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, México, and Uruguay. We employ ordered probit models that allow us to investigate the effects of socioeconomic variables on self-reported health status. The results indicate that self-reported health is positively correlated with good nutrition, more education, and an active lifestyle. Males and those who are satisfied with their current level of income are more likely to report better health. We also find that socioeconomic status early in life influences self-reported health status; this result has important implications for public health policy. Finally, the relationship between socioeconomic measures and self-reported health appears to be relatively consistent across these five countries.