How Are Back Pain & Depression Related?
Low back pain and depression are known to be related, but which comes first, or does each contribute to the other?
MIDUS Achievements Report
In celebration of the MIDUS grant renewal, we have created an 8-page report on the history and major achievements of MIDUS.
MIDUS Grant Renewed!
We are happy to announce that the MIDUS grant has received six more years of funding from the National Institute on Aging.
Hard Work May Not Pay Off for Everyone
One of the core features of the American Dream is that if you work hard you can achieve your goals. However, this MIDUS study suggests that hard work mostly pays off only for those from advantaged backgrounds.
How Do Neighborhood Safety Concerns Affect Daily Well-being?
Do people who feel they live in unsafe neighborhoods experience more stress, and how does it affect their health and emotional well-being?
Wealth is Linked to Mortality (But Not as Much as Smoking)
This study showed that how socioeconomic status is measured (whether by assets, income, or education) matters when studying how poverty and wealth are linked to mortality. However, smoking history seems to be a more important factor than how much money you have.
The Health Effects of Social Media Use May Depend on Who’s Using It
People with low self-esteem may be more likely to experience worse health as a result of using social media.
Repeated Nights of Lost Sleep Linked to Poor Health & Well-being
This study was the first to look at how consecutive nights of sleep loss at home (instead of in a clinical setting) affect our emotional and physical well-being.
Discrimination May Increase Problems with Chronic Pain
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain. This MIDUS study looked at whether experiencing different types of discrimination was linked with how chronic pain interferes with daily activities and enjoyment of life.
Body Weight in Old Age May be Linked to Childhood Disadvantage
Those whose families were economically disadvantaged during childhood have been found to have higher body weight in early adulthood and midlife. Given that excessive weight it tied to various chronic disease outcomes, it is important to know whether these inequalities continue into older age.
Women’s Feelings about Menopause Vary by Sexual Orientation
Lesbian and bisexual women, many of whom hold less traditional gender beliefs about femininity and aging, may have fewer negative feelings about menopause.
The Health Benefits of Having a Purpose in Life
This year’s annual MIDUS newsletter is about the many health benefits that have been associated with having a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Purpose May Prevent Depression Among Those Who Were Mistreated as Children
Those who had difficult childhoods may be more likely to experience depression as adults. This MIDUS study looked at whether having a sense of purpose in life can help avoid this outcome.
Recessions Do Not Inevitably Lead to Worse Mental Health
This MIDUS study found that although experiencing economic hardship during a recession can contribute to psychological distress, those who can increase their sense of control suffer less.
Are Thinking Skills More Likely to Decline After Retirement?
Those who retire may be at risk for mental declines if they aren’t able to replace stimulating work environments with other mentally challenging activities after they retire.
Exercise Protects Us from Disability, but Not Always
Staying physically active is associated with a lower likelihood of becoming disabled, however, this does not appear to be true for all older adults.