Death of a Family Member and Self-Perceptions of Aging Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Abstract

The death of a family member is one of the life’s most emotionally distressing experiences, yet its impact on self-perceptions of aging remains understudied. This study examines the relationship between the death of a family member and self-perceptions of aging among middle-aged and older adults using data from the 2014–2016 Health and Retirement Study (n = 11,416). Four types of family death (father death, mother death, spousal death, and child death) were analyzed. Linear regression models with Generalized Estimating Equations were estimated to examine the association between the death of a family member and self-perceptions of aging, as well as the moderation effect of gender. Results indicated that the death of a mother or a spouse is associated with less positive self-perceptions of aging compared to those not bereaved. No significant gender differences were observed in the association between the death of a family member and self-perceptions of aging. Interventions and support are necessary to help the bereaved navigate the bereavement process and maintain a positive outlook on aging in the face of loss.

Keywords

subjective aging bereavement parental loss spousal loss

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