Geriatric syndromes and the risk of developing disability among older Dutch community-dwellers: differences in socio-economic position

The research project will focus on the role of geriatric syndromes in the “loss of functioning”, i.e. disability that older people face with increasing age. Unlike heart diseases or other chronic conditions, geriatric syndromes are common conditions that are perceived to be conditions of increasing age and are often not seen as disease. However, geriatric syndromes like urinary incontinence, falls or sleeping problems share common risk factors and can contribute substantially to older peoples’ disability or decrease in social participation. Our project aims to analyze the association between geriatric syndromes and disability, and consider potential differences among a socio-economic gradient.