Homeownership and Psychological Resources Among Older Adults: Do Gender and Mortgage Status Moderate Homeownership Effects?

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined whether homeownership is associated with life satisfaction and depressive symptoms among older adults aged 65 or over and whether these associations differ by gender. This study further distinguished mortgagors from owner-occupiers. Methods: Using six waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (N = 3540), we used generalized estimating equations as well as random- and fixed-effects regression analyses. Results: Gender-stratified fixed-effects models showed that the associations between homeownership and psychological resources are largely driven by men. Owner-occupiers are more satisfied with life and report fewer depressive symptoms than renters. By contrast, although mortgagors are more satisfied with life than renters, they have depressive symptoms similar to those of renters. These patterns are more pronounced among men than women. Discussion: Our findings lend support to policies that promote affordable homeownership as a way to reduce social inequalities in psychological well-being and health, especially among older men.