A Formal Investigation of Inequalities in Health Behaviours After Age 50 on the Island of Ireland

Abstract

To examine income-related inequality in smoking, low physical activity and frequent alcohol consumption we calculate concentration indices using data on older adults from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Smoking and low physical activity are more concentrated among those with lower incomes in both regions, while frequent alcohol consumption is more concentrated among those with higher incomes. Although results for the two jurisdictions are quite similar, low levels of physical exercise appears to be more highly concentrated amongst lower income groups in the North. In conclusion, inequalities in health behaviours exist among older people on the Island of Ireland.