A1 Journal article (refereed)
Cohort Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction in 75- and 80-Year-Olds : A Comparison of Two Cohorts 28 Years Apart (2023)

Kekäläinen, T., Koivunen, K., Pynnönen, K., Portegijs, E., & Rantanen, T. (2023). Cohort Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction in 75- and 80-Year-Olds : A Comparison of Two Cohorts 28 Years Apart. Journal of Aging and Health, OnlineFirst. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643231164739

JYU authors or editors

Kekäläinen, Tiia
Koivunen, Kaisa
Pynnönen, Katja
Rantanen, Taina

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kekäläinen, Tiia; Koivunen, Kaisa; Pynnönen, Katja; Portegijs, Erja; Rantanen, Taina

Journal or series: Journal of Aging and Health

ISSN: 0898-2643

eISSN: 1552-6887

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 22/03/2023

Volume: OnlineFirst

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643231164739

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86143

Abstract

Objectives: To examine birth cohort differences in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction in older men and women and the mechanisms underpinning the possible cohort differences.
Methods: Two independent cohorts of Finnish men and women aged 75 and 80 were assessed in 1989–1990 (n= 617) and2017–2018 (n= 794). They reported their depressive symptoms (CES-D), current life satisfaction, and evaluation of life until now.
Results: The later-born cohort reported fewer depressive symptoms (8.6 ± 7.1 vs. 13.9 ± 8.3) and the differences were similar for the subdomains of depressive symptoms. The later-born cohort was more often mostly satisfied with life until now (90 vs.70%) but not with the current life than the earlier-born cohort. Better self-rated health and education of the later-born cohort partly explain the cohort differences.
Discussion: Older people in Finland report fewer depressive symptoms and they are more satisfied with their past life compared to their counterparts assessed 28 years ago.

Keywords: mental health; mental disorders; depression (mental disorders); older people; quality of life

Free keywords: mental health; depression; secular trends; birth cohorts

Fields of science:

Contributing organizations

JYU units:

Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences

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Ministry reporting: Yes

JUFO rating: 2