Examining widowhood duration with depression and cognitive impairment among older women using nationally representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India
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AbstractBackgroundLosing loved ones is considered one of the most stressful events in life. With the increase in life expectancy globally over the past century, widowhood has become an older womens issue. The study aimed to examine the association of widowhood duration with depression and cognitive function among older women in India.MethodWe used the nationally representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India baseline wave, conducted during 201718. Sample comprised of 16,075 older women ages 60 years and above. We conducted descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression to examine the association of widowhood duration with depression and cognitive impairment.ResultNearly 25% of the older women who suffered from cognitive impairment were widowed for more than 10 years whereas, about 14% of older women who suffered from depression were widowed for at least four years. Older women who were widowed for more than 10 years were 43% significantly more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment in reference to older women who were currently married [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.43, confidence interval (CI): 1.271.61]. Older women who were widowed for at least four years were two times significantly more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms compared to older women who were currently married [AOR: 2.01, CI: 1.662.42].ConclusionThe findings highlight that widowed older Indian women are disadvantaged with respect to the duration of bereavement that leads to worse mental health both in the short and long terms. It suggests that women who are struggling to adjust to such transitions may be particularly at risk for adverse mental health outcomes.
