Are adverse socioeconomic conditions in childhood associated with intrinsic capacity in older age? A cross-sectional study from the Lausanne cohort Lc65

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the associations between childhood adverse socioeconomic conditions and intrinsic capacity in older adults using an integrative approach to ageing. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: We used data from the Lausanne Cohort 65+, a population-based longitudinal study that has been conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland, since 2004. PARTICIPANTS: Lausanne citizens aged 67-71 years old. OUTCOMES: Intrinsic capacity was assessed in 2015 using validated self-reported measures and performance tests. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was used in a formative approach to calculate the global score of intrinsic capacity and the scores of its domains. Adverse socioeconomic conditions in childhood were retrospectively assessed in 2014 using self-reported measures of financial strain, dietary restrictions and child labour. RESULTS: The study sample included 1328 individuals. Multivariable regressions revealed that the global score of intrinsic capacity was lower in individuals who reported financial strain (B=-0.15, p=0.029) and dietary restrictions (B=-0.314, p=0.004) in childhood. They further showed an association between financial strain and lower locomotor and sensory capacities (B=-0.173, p=0.011 and B=-0.153, p=0.027, respectively), and between child labour and a lower score on cognition (B=-0.342, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results emphasise the critical role of early life conditions in healthy ageing. They highlight the importance of financial support for families and access to nutrition.