NIH Study Reveals Strong Relationship Between Mobility and Income

A new study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, has revealed a compelling relationship between mobility and income among adults. These findings suggest that individuals with better mobility tend to have higher incomes and longer working careers.

The study also highlights the economic benefits of maintaining mobility over time. Published in Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, the study sheds light on the significance of mobility as a key indicator of good health and its potential economic rewards. Dr. Lindsey A. Criswell, Director of NIAMS, emphasized the long-standing understanding that mobility is a crucial component of overall health.

She noted that the study’s findings extend the evidence supporting the benefits of exercise and an active lifestyle by showing a connection between mobility and economic well-being. Leading the research, Dr. Timothy Bhattacharyya, head of the NIAMS Clinical and Investigative Orthopedics Surgery Unit, and his team utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

The HRS is a federally supported longitudinal study, representing the largest cohort of Americans over the age of 50, designed to explore the challenges associated with aging, including impacts on work, health, social interactions, psychological well-being, family dynamics, and economic status. 

The study initially focused on examining the relationship between household income and mobility among more than 19,000 HRS participants who responded to the survey in 2016. Participants were classified into one of six mobility levels based on their ability to perform various tasks, including walking several blocks, walking one block, walking across a room, climbing several flights of stairs, and climbing one flight of stairs.

Level 5 represented “unrestricted” mobility, while level 0 indicated difficulty with all mobility tasks. Dr. Bhattacharyya explained the significant finding, stating that for each level drop in mobility, participants experienced an annual income reduction of more than $3,000. This clear association between mobility and income underscores the importance of maintaining one’s physical abilities. 

The study also delved into the link between maintaining mobility and income. Researchers identified a group of individuals with unrestricted mobility who responded to the survey three times: once in 2000 and twice more by 2010. Those who managed to maintain their mobility throughout the decade reported incomes that were $6,500 higher than their less-mobile counterparts.

Additionally, they were more likely to remain employed, highlighting the economic advantages of sustained mobility. In a further exploration, the researchers investigated the role of exercise in preserving mobility among a group of participants aged 60–80 years in 2012. Follow-up assessments were conducted at two and four years following the initial response.

The results revealed that individuals who were able to maintain their mobility after the age of 55 had a 19-point higher likelihood of maintaining an active working status. Even engaging in exercise just once a week significantly boosted mobility scores over time. 

Dr. Bhattacharyya, an orthopaedic surgeon, expressed his belief that interventions aimed at improving mobility might also have a positive association with income. He emphasized the need for further research to investigate whether interventions that enhance mobility can lead to improvements in income. This groundbreaking study from NIAMS provides compelling evidence of the strong relationship between mobility and income.

It highlights the economic rewards of maintaining mobility and emphasizes the crucial role of exercise in this equation. These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity and mobility to improve both individual health and economic well-being, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals seeking to enhance their quality of life and financial stability. 

Reference  

National Institute of Health, “Higher income and longer working years are linked to better mobility” https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/higher-income-longer-working-years-are-linked-better-mobility.