What is already known about this topic?: Addressing health disparities is a worldwide priority, with a well-established acknowledgment of the influence of childhood circumstances on these discrepancies. In China, particularly among the elderly, health inequalities are a notable concern.
What is added by this report?: The inequality in healthy aging has increased from 2011 to 2020, both in general and concerning childhood factors. Nevertheless, the impact of early-life healthcare access and parental health behaviors on healthy aging gaps has reduced among older adults in better health within the top segment of healthy aging.
What are the implications for public health practice?: Efforts towards reducing regional health disparities and improving healthcare access for children, along with promoting the health and well-being of parents, especially in economically disadvantaged households, are crucial policy considerations.
Keywords: childhood circumstances; health inequality; healthy aging.
Copyright and License information: Editorial Office of CCDCW, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2024.