Age Differences in COVID-19 Risk Perceptions and Mental Health: Evidence From a National U.S. Survey Conducted in March 2020

Abstract

Objectives: Theories of aging posit that older adult age is associated with less negative emotions, but few studies have examined age differences at times of novel challenges. As COVID-19 spread in the United States, this study therefore aimed to examine age differences in risk perceptions, anxiety, and depression.

Method: In March 2020, a nationally representative address-based sample of 6,666 U.S. adults assessed their perceived risk of getting COVID-19, dying if getting it, getting quarantined, losing their job (if currently working), and running out of money. They completed a mental health assessment for anxiety and depression. Demographic variables and precrisis depression diagnosis had previously been reported.

Results: In regression analyses controlling for demographic variables and survey date, older adult age was associated with perceiving larger risks of dying if getting COVID-19, but with perceiving less risk of getting COVID-19, getting quarantined, or running out of money, as well as less depression and anxiety. Findings held after additionally controlling for precrisis reports of depression diagnosis.

Discussion: With the exception of perceived infection-fatality risk, U.S. adults who were relatively older appeared to have a more optimistic outlook and better mental health during the early stages of the pandemic. Interventions may be needed to help people of all ages maintain realistic perceptions of the risks, while also managing depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis. Implications for risk communication and mental health interventions are discussed.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Risk perception.

Figure 1.

Age differences in risk perceptions. Note. Age groups were computed for presentation purposes only. The reported analyses treated age as a continuous variable. For all risks except job loss: N = 874 for age group <30, N = 1,630 for age group 30–39, N = 1,045 for age group 40–49, N = 1,102 for age group 50–59, N = 1,199 for age group 60–69, N = 816 for age group ≥70. For job loss: N = 597 for age group <30, N = 1283 for age group 30–39, N = 811 for age group 40–49, N = 788 for age group 50–59, N = 509 for age group 60–69, N = 131 for age group ≥70.

Figure 2.

Age differences in warning signs for depression and anxiety disorder. Note. Age groups were computed for presentation purposes only. The reported analyses treated age as a continuous variable. Warning signs of depression and anxiety disorder referred to scores of ≥6 on the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and warning signs of either depression or anxiety disorder referred to scores of ≥3 on PHQ-4 subscales (Kroenke et al., 2009; Löwe et al., 2010). N = 874 for age group <30, N = 1,630 for age group 30–39, N = 1,045 for age group 40–49, N = 1,102 for age group 50–59, N = 1,199 for age group 60–69, N = 816 for age group ≥70.