Health cascade
\hɛlθ\ \kæˈskeɪd\
A theory of longevity improvements, where healthy behaviours are first adopted by more comfortable socio-economic groups (due to better opportunities and education). These behaviours then ‘cascade’ through society with less fortunate socio-economic groups adopting them later.
An example of the health cascade in action was the occurrence of smoking cessation. Smoking prevalence in higher socio-economic groups reduced far earlier than it did for lower socio-economic groups, with significant relative health gains for the relevant section of the population. Smoking is still more prominent in lower socio-economic groups; however, this does mean that there are more gains to be made in this section of society.