The Role of Gender in the Association Between Sensory Impairments and Well-Being, Depression Symptoms, and Relationship Satisfaction Among Older Adults
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Sensory impairments (hearing and vision) are common and debilitating chronic conditions, especially among older adults. Sensory impairments can adversely affect various aspects of older adults’ lives, including their mental and relational health. Nevertheless, we know little about gender differences in the association between sensory impairments and mental and relational health. This is important, as older men and women may require differentially tailored support, such as targeted interventions or healthcare strategies. We recruited Danes (age 60 and older) from the general population (N = 640; Mage = 71.06 years; 48.13% women) to participate in a study concerning a digital psychoeducational intervention aimed at people with sensory impairment and their partners. All measures were completed online as self-report. T-tests found that men reported greater hearing impairment than women, but there were no gender differences in terms of vision impairment. Regression analyses revealed that both vision and hearing impairment were associated with lower well-being and more depression symptoms, and greater vision impairment associated with lower relationship satisfaction. There were no gender interactions for well-being or depression symptoms, but we did find a significant interaction for relationship satisfaction, such that greater vision impairment was associated with lower relationship satisfaction for men, but not women. These findings contribute to an inconsistent literature on the gendered nature of the association between sensory impairments and their impact on older adults’ health.
Source: OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints)
Authors: Gert Martin Hald, Camilla Stine Øverup, Andreas Nielsen Hald
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7113538075