Trajectories of health-related quality of life across age cohorts: A longitudinal analysis of the German population over 16 years

Abstract

Background

Understanding the trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across different age cohorts and sociodemographic factors is crucial for promoting healthy aging. This study aims to examine the course of physical and mental HRQoL over a 16-year period in a nationwide sample of the German population.

Methods

Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel spanning from 2002 to 2018 (N = 4111; female = 52.0%; age range = 18–81 years; age_mean in 2002 = 45.65 years) was analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. Measures of mental and physical HRQoL were assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables including age, gender, region, income, education were examined as predictors of HRQoL trajectories.

Findings

The analysis revealed distinct trajectories for mental and physical HRQoL. Mental HRQoL showed a non-linear trend, peaking between the ages of 62–72, while physical HRQoL exhibited a linear decline with increasing age. Women consistently reported lower starting values for both mental and physical HRQoL across age cohorts. East Germans reported lower starting values for both dimensions of HRQoL compared to West Germans, although the gap in mental HRQoL narrowed over time. Higher income and education were associated with better HRQoL outcomes, particularly for physical HRQoL.

Interpretation

This study highlights the importance of considering age, gender, region, income, and education in understanding the trajectories of HRQoL. Target interventions for individuals with certain risk factors can contribute to enhance overall well-being in the population.