Introduction Population ageing is not restricted to developed countries. In fact, the percentage of older adults is increasing more rapidly today in the developing world than in developed nations. These trends have important implications for understanding the mechanisms of population ageing. It will be impossible to understanding fully the global economic and political issues without an appreciation of the ageing of the world population. This study analysed health disparities associated with survival in older adult in a 6 year follow-up in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Methods Data comes from a longitudinal survey-SABE Study (Health, Well-being and Ageing) that began in 2000 with a sample (n=2.143) of older adults (≥60 years) living in São Paulo/Brazil. The 2^nd wave (2006) re-interviewed 1.115 elders. Multi variable analysis was performed adjusted logistic regression with robust estimation. Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis was used to analyse death at 6 years.

Results Data show an annualised mortality rate of 55.2 per 1000 for males and 34.0 for females. The demographic variables associated with survival, besides age and gender, were greater education (p <0.000), higher income (p<0.00) and from an urban area in women (p=0.015). The health related variables associated with survival were self-reported better health (p<0.000-women and p=0.016-men), no self-reported disease (p<0.000), depression (p=0.035 for women) and no disability (p<0.000). In the Kaplan-Meier, men with excellent health are close to the women with regular health which is self-reported. Absence of disability makes the male curve higher than the female.

Conclusions Public policies should take into account the specific needs of the elderly population to facilitate access to healthcare services and reduce inequalities.