Gender-Specific Predictors of Self-Rated Health in the Elderly: A Prospective Study

Abstract

As individuals approach the age of 60, concerns about health and the potential for impairment become increasingly prevalent among the elderly. Longitudinal studies conducted in both Western and Eastern contexts have shown that self-rated health (SRH) serves as a cognitive marker of longevity. Self-efficacy regarding health has been identified as a moderating factor that influences both physical and emotional well-being. This study collected SRH data over a three-year period from three cohort groups (ages 50-59, 60–69, and 70–79). A sample of 480 elderly men and women from different social categories (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and General/Open category) was selected, with participants from rural areas of the Chittoor, Kadapa, and Nellore districts. The sample was divided into three age groups: 50–59 (N = 160), 60–69 (N = 160), and 70–79 (N = 160). Participants were selected using a multistage random sampling method. Over the three-year study, personality traits, stress levels, physical and mental activity, health behavior motivation, and health behavior practices were found to significantly predict SRH among the 480 middle-aged and elderly individuals. The study discusses the implications for healthcare, with a focus on enhancing health outcomes in this population.