Mechanisms for Onset

This study examines the mechanisms by which different aspects of socio-economic status affect disability trajectories among older adults. The author conceptualizes and models disability in two life course components, onset and growth, in order to see how socioeconomic status and its mechanisms differ in their effects on the timing and accumulation of disablement. Using the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE), the author finds that the effects of education are mainly preven-tive for disability onset where financial resources both delay and amelio-rate a trajectory of disability accumulation after onset. Health behaviors and mastery work as independent mediators of education while financial-based capital works to mediate both income and education effects. This study highlights transitions and trajectories in health processes, showing that at PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV on September 19, 2016roa.sagepub.comDownloaded from Taylor 8