Key result
In adults aged 82-87 years, there were no significant gender differences in anxiety, depression, or psychological well-being after controlling for cognitive status, general health, and education.
Why the study?
Do gender differences in anxiety and depression remain in adults in their eighties?
Cross-Sectional (n=189)
Do gender differences in anxiety and depression remain in adults in their eighties?
The female predominance in psychological distress diminishes with increasing age, showing no significant gender differences in adults aged 82-87 years.
May challenge assumptions of persistent gender disparities in distress into late life; leaves open need for longitudinal confirmation.
BACKGROUND: Women report higher rates of depression and anxiety than men; however, it is uncertain whether this gender difference continues into advanced old age. METHODS: 78 men and 111 women aged 82-87 years from the Men, Women and Ageing Project completed measures of anxiety (Geriatric Anxiety Inventory), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ9), general psychological well-being (Mental Health subscale of SF-36), general health (general health item of SF-36) and cognitive status (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status; TICS). RESULTS: Results revealed no significant gender differences on any of the psychological measures, after controlling for cognitive status, general health and education. CONCLUSION: These results support the proposition that the female predominance in psychological distress diminishes with increasing age. The congruence between men and women may reflect changes in identity associated with age or the effect of decreased emotional valence of some social roles.
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Pachana et al. (2011) conducted a cross-sectional in Anxiety and depression (n=189). Female gender vs. Male gender was evaluated on Gender differences on psychological measures (anxiety, depression, general psychological well-being). In adults aged 82-87 years, there were no significant gender differences in anxiety, depression, or psychological well-being after controlling for cognitive status, general health, and education.
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