Optimal indicators of socioeconomic status for health research.

OBJECTIVES In this study we examined the relationship between indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) and mortality for a representative sample of individuals. METHODS The sample included 3734 individuals aged 45 and older interviewed in 1984 in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. In the current study, mortality was tracked between 1984 and 1994 and is related to SES indicators of education, occupation, income, and wealth. RESULTS Wealth and recent family income were the indicators that were most strongly associated with subsequent mortality. These associations persisted after we controlled for the other SES indicators and were stronger for women than for men and for non-elderly than for elderly individuals. CONCLUSIONS We found that the economic indicators of SES were usually as strongly associated with mortality as, if not more strongly associated with mortality than, the more conventional indicators of completed schooling and occupation.