Abstract
Objective: We examined cumulative and differential experiences of aging in place. Method: Data came from the 2002 and 2010 wave of the Health Retirement Study. We modeled the trajectory of later-life depressive symptoms, and how senior-housing environments moderate the negative association between economic disadvantages and depressive symptoms. Results: At baseline, economically disadvantaged older adults were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. However, detrimental effects of income group (non-low income vs. moderate income; non-low income vs. low income) on depressive symptoms did not significantly change over time. The age-leveler hypothesis may account for nonsignificant effects of disadvantaged income groups over time. Discussion: Findings suggest that moderate-income seniors may experience positive differentials if they age in place in a supportive senior-housing environment. Moderate-income seniors may have broader opportunities in senior housing compared to private-home peers. Senior housing might partially counter risks such as low mental health, emerging from life-course disadvantage.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 207-231 |
| Number of pages | 25 |
| Journal | Research on Aging |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 1 2018 |
Keywords
- aging in place
- later-life depressive symptoms
- life course
- low income
- person–environment fit