Wealthier is healthier

OLDER men from lower socio-economic groups are more likely to end up in hospital due to non-elective circumstances than wealthier men their age, according to Australian research.

The team used data from an ageing in men study to assess elective and non-elective hospitalisation rates by socioeconomic status.

They say while lower socioeconomic status was linked to non-elective hospitalisations, there was no association with elective hospitalisations.

The researchers say this is despite the higher likelihood of disadvantaged men needing elective procedures later in life.