Impact of childhood health adversities on late-life depression and mental health

Abstract Background Drawing upon life course frameworks, the study examined the association between childhood health adversities and the psychological and mental well-being of older adults. Methods The study used data derived from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), Waves 5 (2013) 6 (2015) and 7 (2017). The baseline sample comprised 47,862 older adults aged 60 and above (mean age 71.42 ± 8.17 years; 54.5% females;14% reported missing a month or more of school during childhood due to health conditions). Mental health indicators included the EURO-D depression scale (0-12), diagnosis of affective/emotional disorders, and the use of drugs for anxiety or depression. Outcomes variables were compared between groups (those with childhood health adversities vs. healthy peers) over a 4-year period. Covariates included childhood family environments, socio-demographic variables, and old-age health. Results Over the 4-year follow-up period, the prevalence of affective/emotional disorders and the use of medications for anxiety or depression tended to increase. For older adults without childhood health problems, depression levels tended to increase over time, while the trajectory of depression for those with childhood health adversities followed a non-linear pattern. Older adults who experienced childhood health adversities showed significantly higher levels of late-life depression compared to their peers without childhood health problems at both follow-up points. Additionally, higher levels of late-life depression and mental health problems were significantly pronounced among those who experienced emotional, nervous or psychiatric problems during childhood. Conclusions Older adults with childhood health adversities may be more vulnerable to psychological and mental challenges in later life. Further exploration of the pathways through which these experiences impact the life course, including adolescence and adulthood, is warranted to inform early interventions.