Impacts Related to Physical Impairment Following Spousal Loss
Year: 2018
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: The experience of spousal loss is a common but challenging occurrence in later life. Although previous research has shown negative associations between spousal loss and physical health, we are only beginning to understand some of the potential mechanisms influencing the reasons why some individuals fare better than others. Recent research suggests that psychological resilience may be a key factor, especially for men. The present study examines the effect of psychological resilience on functional health (functional limitations and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) limitations) for men and women using multiple waves of the Health and Retirement Study two (N=667) and four (N=587) years following spousal loss. We use Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to test if pre-loss resilience moderates the effect of gender on changes in functional impairment for surviving spouses. Results indicate that resilience is associated with changes in functional limitations and IADLs whereby men with low levels of resilience experience approximately 1.0 and 1.4 more functional limitations and 0.7 and 0.8 additional IADL limitations at two and four years following widowhood respectively. Men with high levels of resilience experience no increase in functional limitations or IADL limitations following widowhood. Women with low levels of resilience experience a similar increase in functional and IADL limitations following widowhood as those with high levels of resilience, indicating resilience does not buffer the effects of spousal loss for women. Our results suggest men with low levels of resilience may be especially vulnerable to the physical health consequences of spousal loss.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Institution: Florida State University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2899916657