America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

Mental Health Struggles Among Older Adults During the Pandemic

Older adults experienced fewer mental health challenges than younger adults during the COVID-19 pandemic but new research shows anxiety and depression levels among those 65 and older varied depending on their demographic characteristics and economic well-being.

For example, older women were more likely than older men to struggle with mental health, according to an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau?s?Household Pulse Survey. Although non-Hispanic White and Asian older adults in 2020 reported lower levels of mental health challenges than other groups, the differences essentially disappeared by 2023.?

Over the course of the pandemic, older adults reported fewer mental health issues than younger adults, regardless of living arrangements or sexual orientation and gender identity.

This new research examines differences among the 65 and older population to better understand their mental health experiences during the pandemic.

Continue reading to learn more about:?

• The Household Pulse Survey and insights on mental health
• Measuring anxiety and depression symptoms
• Sociodemographic differences among older adults
• Economic stress

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