Cohort Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction in 75- and 80-Year-Olds : A Comparison of Two Cohorts 28 Years Apart

Objectives To examine birth cohort differences in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction in older men and women and the mechanisms underpinning the possible cohort differences. Methods Two independent cohorts of Finnish men and women aged 75 and 80 were assessed in 1989–1990 ( n = 617) and 2017–2018 ( n = 794). They reported their depressive symptoms (CES-D), current life satisfaction, and evaluation of life until now. Results The later-born cohort reported fewer depressive symptoms (8.6 ± 7.1 vs. 13.9 ± 8.3) and the differences were similar for the subdomains of depressive symptoms. The later-born cohort was more often mostly satisfied with life until now (90 vs. 70%) but not with the c…