Older people who overestimate their health are less likely to see a doctor. This can have serious consequences for their health, for example, when diseases are detected too late. In contrast, people who think they are sicker than they actually are are more likely to see a doctor. This was revealed by a new study by Sonja Spitzer from the Institute of Demography at the University of Vienna and Mujahideen Shaika from the Herti School in Berlin, based on data from over 80,000 Europeans aged 50 and over. The results were published in Journal of the Economics of Aging.
Our self-esteem influences our behavior. People who overestimate their abilities earn more, invest their money differently and are more likely to be leaders. But they also act more risky, have more accidents and live less healthy by drinking more alcohol, eating less healthy and sleeping too little.
The way people see their health can also have implications for their health decisions - for example, whether to see a doctor or not. A new study by Sonia Spitzer of the University of Vienna and Hertie Mujahideen Shaika, a school professor, finds that individuals who overestimate their health visit a doctor 17.0% less often than those who properly assess their health, which is key to preventive care such as screening. Similar results were found for visits to the dentist.
The perception of one’s own health, however, has no effect on the number and length of hospital stays; probably because hospital stays are more regulated and often require a doctor’s referral.
Those who think they are sicker than they are visit the doctor more often
The authors also found that people who underestimate their health visit a doctor 21% more often. On the one hand, there is a disadvantage that these additional visits could cause unnecessary costs, which is relevant given the aging population and the associated high public health expenditures. On the other hand, people who underestimate their health and therefore pay a lot of attention to it can be especially capable in the long run, which could have a positive impact on society. Overall, it is difficult for outsiders to assess which visits are justified and which are not.
For their study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 80,000 Europeans aged 50 and over, using statistical methods. Data were collected as part of a SHARE study (Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe) between 2006 and 2013. First, participants were asked how they assess their health, for example, whether they have trouble getting up from a chair. after prolonged sitting. Participants then had to get up from their chairs during the test - this way it can be determined whether someone is overestimating, underestimating or correctly assessing their health. The researchers also took into account erroneous estimates related to memory and mobility. Overall, most survey participants correctly assess their health (79%), 11% overestimate, and 10% underestimate themselves.
Who knows about their health?
With their new study, the researchers built on a previous study that showed that perceptions of health vary widely depending on age, nationality and education. The older people get, the more often they overestimate their health. Researchers also found large regional differences: according to the analysis, people in southern Europe tend to overestimate their health, while people in Central and Eastern Europe often underestimate their health. Educated people are also more likely to assess their health properly. Scientists appeal: Focus more on health education and health literacy. How healthy we feel can affect how healthy we actually are in the long run.
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Materials provided University of Vienna. Note: Content can be edited by style and length.