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From Care Gaps to Mental Health Strain

Author

Listed:
  • Joan Costa-Font

    (London School of Economics and Political Science)

  • Cinzia Di Novi

    (University of Pavia)

  • Cristina Elisa Orso

    (University of Insubria)

Abstract

We study the later-life spillover effects of adult unmet care needs on mental health and health care utilization of older-age Europeans. We draw on longitudinal data from a longitudinal sample of Europeans before, during, and after COVID-19. We exploit an instrumental variable design alongside a causal mediation analysis to examine the effect of unmet care needs on mental health. We show that unmet care needs after the COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to an increased cognitive decline and depressive symptoms and that this effect is mediated by exposure to loneliness during the pandemic among those with unmet care needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Joan Costa-Font & Cinzia Di Novi & Cristina Elisa Orso, 2025. "From Care Gaps to Mental Health Strain," DEM Working Papers Series 231, University of Pavia, Department of Economics and Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:pav:demwpp:demwp0231
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    File URL: https://economiaemanagement.dip.unipv.it/sites/dip10/files/2025-10/DEMWP0231.pdf
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • I13 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Insurance, Public and Private

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