A Recent Study Indicates Improved Mental Health among the Elderly Today in Comparison to the 1990s
A recent analysis suggests that mental health welfare among older adults has significantly improved today in comparison to thirty years ago. The study conducted by researchers at the Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä investigated depressive symptoms and life satisfaction, highlighting the differences.
The researchers analyzed data from 794 participants, including men and women aged 75-80 years, and compared the results with those of people from the same age group who lived in the 1990s. The findings of the analysis suggest a reduction in depressive symptoms and a higher level of life satisfaction in the elderly of today. The university’s statement suggests that this could be attributed to better perceived health and higher education among those born later.
As Professor Taina Rantanen from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences expressed, “In our previous comparisons, we found that older people today have significantly better physical and cognitive functioning at the same age compared to those born earlier. These new results complement these positive findings in terms of mental well-being.”
The findings indicated greater satisfaction among 75- and 80-year-olds with their current lives. However, 80-year-old men who lived in the 1990s claimed to be more satisfied with their current lives than today’s 80-year-old men. According to postdoctoral researcher Tiia Kekäläinen, “These men born in 1910 had lived through difficult times, which may explain their satisfaction with their current lives in the 1990s when many things were better than before.” However, most older adults reported being pleased with their current lives, indicating their flexibility and adaptability to their living conditions.
Medical advancements in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment may be some of the reasons for the improved mental well-being of older adults today. Additionally, better healthcare accessibility and awareness are also believed to contribute to this phenomenon. Yet, socio-economic disparities persist, and healthcare access for the elderly needs to improve.
