Does work improve mental health in later life? A 12-year longitudinal study across social group

AUTHOR

Pin-Shiuan Lee, Li-Chun Pien, Yawen Cheng (本所專任教師 鄭雅文特聘教授) & Wan-Ju Cheng ✉️

JOURNAL  Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

PUBLISHED  2025.07.21

Highlights

• Cross-lagged autoregressive analysis examined the bidirectional link between work and depression.
• Transitioning to nonwork is linked to higher depression, especially in low-income groups.
• Starting work is linked to lower depression, particularly among women.
• Work affects depression more in midlife; depression affects work more in older age.

KEYWORDS

Older adults; Employment; Depression; Gender; Socioeconomic status