Abstract
Older adults are widely considered to be among those most vulnerable to COVID-19. However, research has yet to examine whether and how this varies by socioeconomic status and gender. Drawing on intersectionality and stress process theorizing, this study examines how these factors come together to influence the mental health of middle-aged and older Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the role of social isolation and loneliness in mediating this relationship. Data were drawn from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), including the COVID-19 surveys (n=24,114). Regression analyses assessed whether age/income/gender intersections are related to self-rated mental health (SRMH) and depression, and whether social isolation and loneliness mediate these relationships. Social status intersections were differentially associated with SRMH and depression levels. Older (65-74 and 75+) high and moderate income men had the best SRMH and lowest levels of depression. Middle-aged (50-64 year old) low income men and women as well as moderate income women, and older (65-74 year old) low income women had the poorest SRMH and highest depression levels. Social isolation and loneliness were associated with mental health and they partially mediated age/income/gender disparities in mental health. The findings point to the importance of focusing on age, SES and gender intersections for an understanding of mental health among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also support the need to consider the role of intersecting structural positions within social policies and other initiatives designed to address mental health during the pandemic.
Presenters
Sean BrowningResearch Associate, Department of Sociology, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Denise Cloutier
University of Victoria Margaret Penning
University of Victoria
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
CLSA, COVID-19, Depression, Intersectionality, Loneliness, Mental Health, Social Isolation
