Illness of spouse and psychological well-being in older adults.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether illness of a spouse is a source of significant psychological distress for older adults. In addition, we also examine whether two intervening variables (chronic financial strain and chronic marital strain) might explain why this relationship exists. A final goal of this study was to determine whether gender differences exist in the relationships among these indicators. Findings from a random community survey of elderly people suggest that while illness of spouse exerts significant direct effects on depression for both older men and older women, the indirect effects through financial and martial strain are largely restricted to elderly women.