El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los determinantes sociales que influyen en la salud percibida de personas adultas mayores (PAM) mexicanas, identificando factores específicos que afectan diferenciadamente a hombres y mujeres. Se implementó un diseño no experimental, transversal con alcance explicativo. Mediante un muestreo probabilístico participaron inicialmente 573 PAM. Tras aplicar criterios de exclusión (deterioro cognitivo según Mini-mental Estate State Examination) y eliminción (cuestionarios incompletos), la muestra final comprendió 350 participantes (M edad = 64.97, DE= 3.22), 120 varones (34.4%) y 230 mujeres (65.7%). Los resultados sugieren patrones diferenciados por género: en ambos grupos, el nivel educativo y la actividad física se asociaron positivamente con una mejor salud percibida, mientras que la frecuencia de chequeos médicos mostró una relación negativa. Entre los varones, el acceso a servicios de salud es un predictor positivo. En las mujeres, el panorama resultó más complejo, con predictores positivos adicionales, como consumo moderado de alcohol y predictores negativos como enfermedades crónicas y dificultades sensoriales. Estos hallazgos sugieren que las mujeres adultas mayores presentan mayor vulnerabilidad ante condiciones físicas y mayor dependencia de determinantes socioeconómicos, reflejando desigualdades acumuladas a lo largo del ciclo vital. Se concluye que mejorar la salud percibida de este grupo poblacional requiere de un abordaje integral que considere factores individuales y estructurales, con estrategias diferenciadas por género. Se recomienda el diseño y promoción de programas que fomenten la actividad física adaptada y una cultura de salud preventiva.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the social determinants that influence the perceived health of Mexican older adults (EAP), identifying specific factors that affect men and women differently. A non-experimental, cross-sectional design with explanatory scope was implemented. Initially, 573 MAPs participated by means of a probabilistic sampling. After applying exclusion criteria (cognitive impairment according to Mini-mental Estate State Examination) and elimination criteria (incomplete questionnaires), the final sample comprised 350 participants (Mean= 64.97, SD= 3.22), 120 males (34.4%) and 230 females (65.7%). The results suggest differentiated patterns by gender: in both groups, educational level and physical activity were positively associated with better perceived health, while the frequency of medical check- ups showed a negative relationship. Among men, access to health services was a positive predictor. In women, the picture was more complex, with additional positive predictors such as moderate alcohol consumption and negative predictors such as chronic diseases and sensory difficulties. These findings suggest that older women are more vulnerable to physical conditions and more dependent on socioeconomic determinants, reflecting inequalities accumulated throughout the life cycle. It is concluded that improving the perceived health of this population group requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual and structural factors, with strategies differentiated by gender. We recommend the design and promotion of programs that encourage adapted physical activity and a culture of preventive health.