Yeonjung Lee

Objectives: This article examines whether older adults’ perceptions of an increase in their cost of living during a time of rapid inflation are associated with multiple aspects of psychological distress, as well as whether mastery buffers these associations. Methods: Data were derived from a two-wave longitudinal survey of older adults gathered in 2021 and 2022 ( N = 4,010). Multiple regression models examined symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger. Results: Perceptions of moderate or large increases in cost of living were associated with higher levels of distress at follow-up. Taking baseline financial strain, mastery, and psychological distress into account weakened these associations, but perceptions of a large increase in cost of living were still substantially linked with anger and anxiety. Mastery also buffered associations with anxiety and anger. Discussion: Macroeconomically derived adversities can shape anxiety and anger in later-life, but these mental health consequences fall more heavily on individuals possessing lower levels of mastery.

Objectives This study examines whether the association between caregiving demands and mental health is non-linear and also, whether this non-linear association is contingent on the marital status of the caregiver. Methods We analyze the data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, applying OLS regression and quadratic interaction terms. Results A lower level of demands is salubriously associated with symptoms of depression and life satisfaction, but this association becomes deleterious at higher levels of demands. Moreover, a connection to a marital partner extends the benefits of caregiving demands and stems the adverse consequences. Discussion This research shows that acts of caregiving may not themselves be detrimental. Instead, the degree and way in which caregiving relates to mental health may vary by both the extent of the demands of the caregiving role and familial relationships in which caregivers are embedded.