LIFE-COURSE PERSPECTIVES ON MILITARY SERVICE EXPERIENCES, STRESS EXPOSURE, AND LATER- AND END-OF-LIFE OUTCOMES
2024

Military Service and Aging Veterans

publication

Author Information

Author(s): London Andrew Chair, Spiro, Kurth, Yorgason, Ream, Berry-Stoelzle

Primary Institution: Oxford University Press US

Conclusion

Military service experiences have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of aging veterans.

Supporting Evidence

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans is linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and disability.
  • Aging combat veterans may experience better well-being due to reduced arguments over a long period.
  • Veteran status is associated with poorer cognitive functioning, particularly in those with PTSD.
  • Rural providers report more unmet social needs among their clients but also see benefits to living in rural areas.
  • 80% of rural providers are interested in a group intervention for older veterans with PTSD.

Takeaway

This study shows that being a veteran can affect how people feel and function as they get older, especially if they have PTSD.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0940

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