Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health
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Late life decline in mental health: patterns, predictors and perspectives from older Australian women.

Approved: 2012

Collaborators:

  • Prof Julie Byles
  • Prof Nancy Pachana
  • Dr Catherine Chojenta
  • Prof Deborah Loxton
  • Mr Richard Gibson
  • Dr Lucy Leigh

Synopsis

The overall aim of this study is to gain understanding of changes in mental health as women age, and particularly the phenomenon of late life decline in mental health. We will analyse 17 years of prospective data from a large cohort of women across to determine patterns of change in mental health scores, and particularly the proportions of women who experience late life decline in mental health and the rate of decline in mental health scores. We will also study how mental health scores change during the years prior to death at different ages, as well as the sociodemographic, behavioural and health-related factors that are associated with different patterns of change. The women’s own views on the changes affecting their lives and mental well-being will be further examined through analysis of extensive qualitative data provided by the women at each survey.