Association between sociodemographic factors and mobility among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

TL;DR

This study finds that older age, being female, non-Caucasian identity, and lower education are linked to poorer mobility in older adults, highlighting sociodemographic inequities.

Contribution

The paper provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of sociodemographic factors affecting mobility in older adults, identifying consistent associations and gaps in current research.

Findings

Older age and female gender were moderately associated with slower habitual gait speed.

Non-Caucasian identity and lower education were consistently linked to poorer mobility outcomes.

Few studies examined factors like marital status, income, and occupation, limiting broader conclusions.

Abstract

Mobility limitation is associated with poor quality of life, morbidity, and mortality among older adults. This pre-registered systematic review [PROSPERO CRD42022298570] synthesised the coefficients of association between sociodemographic factors and performance-based mobility outcomes in older adults (≥ 60 years).

Electronic databases MEDLINE, WoS, EMBASE, CINAHL, AgeLine, and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to 27 November 2023 for observational studies reporting an association between sociodemographic factors and performance-based mobility outcomes among older adults. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted title, abstract, and full-text screening, narrative synthesis, and meta-analysis following the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. The effect sizes, heterogeneity, dominance, and publication bias were analysed using R/R-Studio (version 4.3.2) and CMA (version 4).

Of the 9,328 studies screened, 57 were included (n = 130,060 participants); the pooled mean age was 69.81 ± 7.21years, habitual gait speed (HGS) = 1.01 ± 0.28 m/s, and time-up and go score = 7.67 ± 3.56s. The narrative synthesis showed that the majority of the studies found older age (92.2%), women (62.9%), non-Caucasian (75.0%), and lower education (64.5%) associated with significant mobility outcomes. There was a paucity of studies on marital status, area of residence, income, occupation, religion, homeownership, and social status. Meta-analysis showed that older age r=-0.37 [-0.42, -0.32] and female gender r=-0.13 [-0.22, -0.03] were moderately associated with slower HGS.

Older age, female gender, non-Caucasian identity, and lower education were consistently associated with poorer mobility outcomes, pointing to sociodemographic sources of inequity and the need for targeted interventions. Limited evidence on marital status, residence, income, occupation, religion, homeownership, and social status restricted broader conclusions. Expanding research across these domains is critical to inform comprehensive strategies that advance equitable mobility and healthier ageing in diverse populations.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022298570.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-026-06984-z.

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