Population aging is a global phenomenon due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy. This demographic shift poses a challenge to society, requiring adaptation of policies, economies, and healthcare systems to safeguard the well-being of older individuals. Health inequalities, influenced by social determinants such as education, economic status, and place of residence, impact this population group, with notable differences between men and women. Several studies have demonstrated that social determinants of health (SDH) affect the quality of life (QoL) of older individuals, especially women. In general, women report lower quality of life indicators, lower educational levels, and poorer health compared to men. This study aims to examine how social determinants of health can influence the quality of life of the population aged 50 or older in different European countries, from a sex perspective, through a longitudinal approach. The main SDHs associated with poorer QoL were female sex advanced age, economic hardship, educational level, and geographic location within Europe. Depression in women and men in Southern Europe was associated with a decrease in QoL scores.

由于出生率下降和预期寿命延长，人口老龄化是一种全球现象。这种人口变化给社会带来了挑战，需要调整政策、经济和医疗保健系统，以保障老年人的福祉。受教育、经济地位和居住地等社会决定因素影响的健康不平等影响着这一人群，其中男性和女性之间存在显着差异。多项研究表明，健康的社会决定因素 (SDH) 会影响老年人，尤其是女性的生活质量 (QoL)。一般来说，与男性相比，女性的生活质量指标较低，教育水平较低，健康状况较差。本研究旨在通过纵向方法，从性别角度探讨健康的社会决定因素如何影响不同欧洲国家 50 岁或以上人口的生活质量。与较差的生活质量相关的主要 SDH 是女性高龄、经济困难、教育水平和欧洲境内的地理位置。南欧女性和男性的抑郁症与生活质量得分下降有关。