Activity Limitations and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Couples: The Moderating Role of Spousal Care

Abstract

Objectives: Limitations in performing basic daily activities, as well as spousal caregiving that arises from activity limitations, are important factors that have ramifications for mental health among couples. The objective of this study was to investigate the interplay of these factors by focusing on whether the associations between activity limitations and depressive symptoms among coupled-individuals were moderated by receipt and provision of spousal care.

Methods: Longitudinal household data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004-2014; dyad N = 6,614) were analyzed to estimate within-person associations between one's own and spousal activity limitations, receipt and provision of spousal care, and depressive symptoms.

Results: Findings showed a consistent link between one's own activity limitations and depressive symptoms for both spouses, whereas spousal activity limitations were associated with depressive symptoms for wives only. We also found moderating effects of spousal care in the link between one's own and spousal activity limitations and depressive symptoms.

Discussion: Receipt and provision of activities of daily living-related assistance may contextualize the association between activity limitations and depressive symptoms among older coupled-individuals in a direction that could alleviate or aggravate the risk of depression.

Keywords: Activities of daily living; Caregiving; Disability; Health and Retirement Study; Instrumental support.