Socioeconomic Status And Health Inequality

According to Mehrotra & Wagner, “The term health inequalities refers to the difference in the rate of morbidity (illness) and mortality between diverse groups in the United States.” (p.168). Socioeconomic status, race and gender are factors that affect physical health, mental health and longevity. Those with higher education have a higher morbid rate than those who do not. The American Society of Aging states, “Education is a powerful determinant of social and economic position. People with higher education have longer life expectancies, lower rates of most health conditions, and lower levels of disability—independent of their income and health insurance.” (Wallace, 2015). Older Ethnic Americans live in poverty than do White Americans. White Americans are more likely to be more educated which result in a higher level of income, pension plan and having enough to last throughout retirement. …show more content…
Up to 23 percent of older African Americans and 19 percent of older Hispanics live in poverty (Fleck, 2008) compared with the estimated 8.9 percent older White Americans who live in poverty (American Psychological Association Task Force on Socioeconomic Status, 2006).” (American Psychological Association, n.d). Gender does affect certain mental disorders. Females are diagnosed with depression or anxiety while males are diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. Females have a higher morbidity than males. Women live longer but have more illnesses than their male counterpart has. Women earn less income than males, which affects saving, pension and social security for