Stressors associated with older adults’ depressive symptom during the pandemic: Does a caregiving role make a difference?

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present study examined COVID-19-related stressors associated with depressive symptom in the older population and whether a caregiving role made a difference in the results. Data from the COVID-19 Supplement to the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) were used to compare two groups of older adults: 248 older caregivers and 1,437 older adults without a caregiving role. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that a lack of time for self-care and healthcare delay were significant stressors in both groups. Missing social events and staying home were associated with depressive symptom only in the non-caregiver group.