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Objectives: Using Interpolated Markov Chain software, we compare the length of life with and without depression among married individuals and widowers, and the related sex differences. Methods: We applied a multi-state life table approach to estimate depression-free life expectancy among recent cohorts of older married and widowed women and men in the United States, using data from the Health and Retirement Study over a 7-year period (2012–2018). Results: The study revealed that the difference in life expectancy between sexes widens in the context of widowhood. At age 50, the sex gap in depression-free life expectancy is 0.8 years among married people, whereas the gap almost doubles to 1.7 years among widowed people. Discussion: By quantifying disparities in the duration of life affected by depression between married and widowed women and men, policymakers could properly allocate resources specifically to address the mental health needs of these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Involuntary exit from the labor force can lead to poor health and well-being outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to better understand the factors that contribute to perceived retirement voluntariness. Methods: We conducted descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses using a sample of recent retirees (n = 2080) from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Results: More than one-quarter (28%) of older workers perceived their retirement to be involuntary. Among 37 possible predictors, 14 directly predicted retirement voluntariness and many more indirectly predicted retirement voluntariness. Only four direct predictors were common to both women and men, retiring because of organizational restructuring/job elimination; disability, health, or stress; financial possibility; and having wanted to stop working. Discussion: Findings suggest the need for employment support, health promotion, work disability prevention, financial education, and support that is sensitive to the differences between women and men to prevent involuntary retirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to understand the demographic and situational characteristics of men over 55 who have used a community support service. Method: Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was conducted using anonymised data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Study 2014. Results: Need factors such as having a common mental disorder (CMD), poor general health and having counselling/therapy were the most relevant to use of a community support service. It was more common for older men (85+), single men, and those who reported experiencing several traumatic life events to have used a community support service. Discussion: The results are critically discussed by considering the roles of gender, ageing, and social support, which might influence the use of community support services. There is a need for more awareness of categories such as age and previous service use, and how they might influence community support help seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim is to explore the role of anthropometric traits and sociodemographic characteristics on human survival. Methods: Anthropometrics and sociodemographic data of 1944 conscripts born in the first decade of the 20th century in rural municipalities of Calabria (Southern Italy) who underwent medical examinations for military service were collected. Medical examinations were linked to individual survival data. Results: Height and type of occupation influenced life expectancy. For taller men, the risk of mortality increases by about 20% when compared with men with middle height, while farmers exhibited a significant survival advantage compared to those with other working experiences. Discussion: Height and type of occupation were associated with human mortality. These results are likely to be related to the effect of healthy dietary patterns and physical activity on life expectancy. Further studies are needed to understand to what extent these results obtained in a rural context can be generalized to other contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examines age patterns in religious attendance in older Mexican Americans. Previous research has focused on majority-white samples, limiting generalizability to other groups. Research in ethnic minority populations is needed. Methods: We descriptively analyze Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (Hispanic EPESE) data and estimate a mixed effects linear growth curve model to assess the relationship between age and religious attendance. Results: Descriptive results reveal an inverse U-shaped pattern of religious attendance. Results from the growth curve model indicate rising religious attendance after age 65 and a decline after the mid-70s, an earlier decline compared to majority-white studies. Discussion: These findings have implications for individual well-being, the functioning of religious congregations, and for understanding the patterning of a salient form of social participation among older adults. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and to examine religious attendance patterns in understudied populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This literature review aims to assess the current state of the field linking neighborhood environments to later-life health and wellbeing. Methods: We used electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, and ProQuest) to search for studies published between 2010 and 2022 examining associations between neighborhood built environmental variables and later-life physical, cognitive, mental, and social health outcomes. Results: Among 168 studies reviewed, the majority were quantitative (n = 144) and cross-sectional (n = 122). Neighborhood environmental variables significantly associated with later-life health outcomes included population density/rurality, walkability/street connectivity, access to services and amenities, neighborhood quality and disorder, and parks/green/blue/open space. Neighborhoods operated through behavioral and biological pathways including hazardous exposures, affective states (e.g., stress and restoration), and lifestyle (e.g., exercise, socialization, and diet). Discussion: Neighborhoods and healthy aging research is a burgeoning interdisciplinary and international area of scholarship. Findings can inform upstream community interventions and strengthen clinical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]