Predicting Excessive Spending in Older Adults: The Impact of Cognitive Status and Mental Health
2024

Predicting Excessive Spending in Older Adults

Sample size: 150 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Emily Flores, Peter Lichtenberg

Primary Institution: Wayne State University

Hypothesis

Cognitive status and mental health significantly predict excessive spending among older adults.

Conclusion

The study found that higher levels of depression and cognitive status are significant predictors of excessive spending in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Correlation analyses found significant associations between excessive spending and cognitive status (r =.18, p <.05).
  • Regression analyses showed that cognitive status (β =.18, p <.05) was a significant predictor of excessive spending.
  • Higher levels of depression (β =.21, p <.05) significantly predicted excessive spending.

Takeaway

Older people who are more depressed or have worse thinking skills tend to spend too much money, which can be a problem.

Methodology

The study used data from the WALLET study to analyze predictors of excessive spending through correlation and regression analyses.

Participant Demographics

Predominantly African American (65%) and female (80%), average age 72.9 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3690

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