MA Research Paper

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Sociology

Supervisor

Rachel Margolis

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated the links between living arrangements and depressive symptoms among older adults. Yet, little is known about how these associations may differ among foreign- and native-born older adults who have different needs and expectations for family relations. Using the Health and Retirement Study, I examine predictors of living arrangements among native- and foreign-born adults over the age of 50 using multinomial logistic regressions. I also run a series of logistic regressions to examine the association between living arrangements and risk of high depressive symptoms. The results show that nativity and immigration characteristics are significant predictors of living arrangements. Older adults who live alone, regardless of proximity to kin, are at a heightened risk of high depressive symptoms for both groups. However, the association is more pronounced for foreign-born older adults. Living with others is associated with a reduced risk of high depressive symptoms among foreign-born only.

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