TY - JOUR
T1 - Individual differences in the effects of disease and disability on depressive symptoms
T2 - The role of age and subjective health
AU - Jang, Yuri
AU - Poon, Leonard W.
AU - Martin, Peter
PY - 2004
Y1 - 2004
N2 - Each person is affected by disease and disability differently. This study examined the role of age and subjective perception of health in determining the links of depressive symptoms with disease and disability among older adults of different ages. The hypothesized effects of age and subjective health were tested using 252 older adults divided into three age groups (i.e., 60s, 80s, and 100s). Two major findings emerged. First, individuals with advanced old age had higher levels of health problems, as expected. However, their perceptions of health and depressive symptoms were less affected by disability when compared to the younger old. Second, regardless of age, the effects of disease and disability on depressive symptoms were mediated through subjective health. Findings suggest age differences in the consequences of health problems, and the importance of subjective perception to bridge physical and mental health. Issues. such as age differences within older populations, the resilience of centenarians, and the intervening roles of subjective health are further discussed.
AB - Each person is affected by disease and disability differently. This study examined the role of age and subjective perception of health in determining the links of depressive symptoms with disease and disability among older adults of different ages. The hypothesized effects of age and subjective health were tested using 252 older adults divided into three age groups (i.e., 60s, 80s, and 100s). Two major findings emerged. First, individuals with advanced old age had higher levels of health problems, as expected. However, their perceptions of health and depressive symptoms were less affected by disability when compared to the younger old. Second, regardless of age, the effects of disease and disability on depressive symptoms were mediated through subjective health. Findings suggest age differences in the consequences of health problems, and the importance of subjective perception to bridge physical and mental health. Issues. such as age differences within older populations, the resilience of centenarians, and the intervening roles of subjective health are further discussed.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=4344715319&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2190/RT1W-2HD7-KG5X-K1FB
DO - 10.2190/RT1W-2HD7-KG5X-K1FB
M3 - Article
C2 - 15453141
AN - SCOPUS:4344715319
SN - 0091-4150
VL - 59
SP - 125
EP - 137
JO - International Journal of Aging and Human Development
JF - International Journal of Aging and Human Development
IS - 2
ER -