Cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms in the aging population: The buffering role of marital status

Abstract

This study examines the moderating role of marital status in the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning in older adults from 12 European countries. Using longitudinal panel data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we hypothesize that marriage buffers the negative effects of depression on cognitive abilities, focusing on immediate and delayed memory and verbal fluency. Building on the Social Ambivalence and Disease (SAD) model, we argue that not only the presence of a marital relationship, but also its quality, plays a crucial role in shaping mental and cognitive health. Our findings indicate that marriage has a protective effect on verbal fluency, likely due to the cognitive stimulation provided by spousal interactions. This buffering effect does not extend to other cognitive domains, such as immediate and delayed memory, which may be more influenced by neurobiological factors. Moreover, we find that in the context of depression symptoms married women benefit more from the protective effects of marriage than men, possibly due to gender differences in social engagement within relationships. The results underscore the importance of both marital support and relationship quality for cognitive health. From a policy perspective, initiatives promoting spousal engagement, horizontal networking, and peer-support programs may help reduce the cognitive risks associated with depression and social isolation in older adults.