A life-span approach to examining older vulnerable population’s subjective well-being: the role of adversity and trauma

Abstract

Objectives Using the life course guidance, the goal of this study was to examine the degree to which previously experienced adversity and trauma was associated with subjective well-being among older adults. Methods Data from the Health and Retirement Study (1992–2012) was used to examine these trends over time. We used multilevel models to test for specific individual change across time. The study sample included older community dwellers aged 55 and over (N = 5,649). Results In terms of early childhood adversities, 77% experienced at least one trauma and 72% experienced at least one trauma in adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences and adulthood trauma were predictors of depressive symptoms, poorer self-rated health, and worse life satisfaction. Older black, other race, and Hispanic groups have poorer subjective well-being overtime compared to whites. Conclusion Findings suggested exposure to childhood adversities and adulthood trauma increases depressive symptoms, poor self-rated health, and low satisfaction of life over time. Findings from this study provide insight into how life course exposure of adversity and trauma among older adults showed a negative trend over time.