Job Transitions and Mental Health Outcomes Among U.S. Adults Aged 55 and Older During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Adults around retirement age are especially vulnerable to the effects of the recent economic downturn associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study investigated disturbances to working life and mental health among Americans aged at least 55 during the early months of the pandemic. Methods Using data from the nationwide COVID-19 Coping Study (N = 6,264), we examined rates of job loss, furloughs, hour/income reductions, and work from home, along with unchanged work status, by age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and occupation. We next described sources of worry by job transition group and tested the adjusted associations of COVID-19-related job transitions with life satisfaction, loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Results Most job losses occurred among respondents younger than age 65 and those without college degrees. Job loss and reduced hours/income were more common among Hispanics compared to other racial/ethnic groups, and work from home transitions were most common among respondents with high educational attainment and jobs in government- and education-related occupations. Workers who lost their jobs had the lowest life satisfaction and the highest loneliness and depressive symptoms, followed by workers who were furloughed and workers with reduced hours/income. Work from home was associated with more anxiety than unchanged work. Discussion COVID-19-related job transitions are detrimental to mental health, even when they might keep workers safe. These results enhance our understanding of the potentially long-term mental health effects of social and economic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the need for economic and mental health support for aging Americans.