Longitudinal Trajectories of Quality of Life and Depression by Housing Tenure Status

Agnes Szabo, Joanne Allen, Fiona Alpass and Christine Stephens

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2018, vol. 73, issue 8, e165-e174

Abstract: Objectives A large body of research has demonstrated the positive effects of home ownership on well-being and health outcomes. However, most previous studies have been cross-sectional. The present study aimed to understand the long-term impact of housing tenure on the psychological wellbeing of older people in New Zealand. Method Data were collected between 2010 and 2014. The 2010 sample (aged from 50–85 years) comprised 2,843 participants (55.4% female). Latent growth curve modeling was used to investigate trajectories of change for home owners and tenants in quality of life and depression symptoms. Analyses also examined the additional impact of demographic and socio-economic variables. Results Over time, quality of life increased, while depression symptoms decreased, for home owners. For tenants, lower levels of quality of life and higher levels of depression symptoms remained stable. Economic living standard, urban versus rural residence, length of residence, ethnicity, age, and household composition emerged as significant covariates. Discussion The psychological benefits of home ownership highlight the importance of secure and sustainable housing. Policies should be designed to ensure access to safe housing solutions for all older people.

Keywords: CASP-12; CESD; Home owners; Longitudinal trajectories; Mental health; New Zealand Health; Work and Retirement Study; Tenants (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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The Journals of Gerontology: Series B is currently edited by Psychological Sciences - S. Duke Han, PhD and Social Sciences - Jessica A Kelley, PhD, FGSA

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