EXPANDED EDUCATION, BETTER HEALTH IN LATER LIFE - Evidence from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS)

Sep 29, 2026

Study examines how educational attainment relates to functional limitations among older adults in Mexico, comparing birth cohorts aged 60–76 in 2001 versus 2018. Data come from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) 2001 and 2018 waves. A Tobit model estimates education gradients while adjusting childhood living conditions, chronic conditions, and longest work, using interaction effects and propensity matching to test cohort differences. Results show education gradients are significant in both cohorts but are attenuated in 2018. Childhood living conditions and work type have long-term impacts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications

FAQs

What is the study objective?

To examine the education gradients in functional limitations for older adults in Mexico by comparing effect sizes between birth cohorts aged 60–76 in 2001 versus 2018.

How were functional limitations and education gradients analyzed?

The study used data from MHAS 2001 and 2018 waves and applied a Tobit model to estimate education gradients in functional limitations, adjusting for childhood living conditions, chronic conditions, and longest work.

What did the study find about education gradients across cohorts?

Education gradients were significant in both birth cohorts, but the education gradient was weaker (attenuated) for the 2018 cohort compared with the 2001 cohort.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Riley West