Gender differences in cognitive function and grip strength: a cross-national comparison of four European regions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cross-national comparison studies on gender differences have mainly focussed on life expectancy, while less research has examined differences in health across countries. We aimed to investigate gender differences in cognitive function and grip strength over age and time across European regions.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study including 51 292 men and 62 007 women aged 50 + participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe between 2004-05 and 2015. Linear regression models were used to examine associations.

Results

In general, women had better cognitive function than men, whereas men had higher grip strength measures. Sex differences were consistent over time, but decreased with age. Compared with men, women had higher cogni

SUBMITTER: Ahrenfeldt LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6660112 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature