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The link between vision impairment and depressive symptomatology in late life: does having a partner matter?

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  • Anna Amilon

    (The Danish Center for Social Science Research)

  • Anu Siren

    (Tampere University)

Abstract

Visual impairment contributes to poor mental health among older adults by restricting everyday functioning and participation. This study examined whether the negative link between vision impairment and depressive symptomatology was less severe among partnered than among single older adults. We merged data from a survey among people with vision impairment with a reference population from the most recent wave of the Danish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (DLSA) (N = 5831 Mage = 74.37, range: 65–97 years, 53.1% female), investigating whether paths from poor vision via three mediators—functional limitations, emotional support and participation in social activities—to depressive symptomatology differ by partnership status. Structural equation modeling suggested that the direct path from vision impairment to depressive symptomatology is more than twice as strong for single than for partnered older adults. Thus being partnered reduces the negative link from vision impairment to depressive symptomatology. However, the path from vision impairment to emotional support is significantly stronger among single than among partnered individuals. Thus negative spillover effects from the visual impairment on the non-impaired partner’s mental health may compromise that partner’s ability to provide emotional support. Taking into account both partnership status and the mental health of both partners may help professionals more precisely target interventions aimed at reducing the risk of depression in visually impaired older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Amilon & Anu Siren, 2022. "The link between vision impairment and depressive symptomatology in late life: does having a partner matter?," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 521-532, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:19:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10433-021-00653-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00653-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jamila Bookwala, 2011. "Marital Quality as a Moderator of the Effects of Poor Vision on Quality of Life Among Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 66(5), pages 605-616.
    2. Hans-Werner Wahl & Vera Heyl & Oliver Schilling, 2012. "Robustness of Personality and Affect Relations Under Chronic Conditions: The Case of Age-Related Vision and Hearing Impairment," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 67(6), pages 687-696.
    3. William J. Strawbridge & Margaret I. Wallhagen & Sarah J. Shema, 2007. "Impact of Spouse Vision Impairment on Partner Health and Well-Being: A Longitudinal Analysis of Couples," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 62(5), pages 315-322.
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