Depressive symptoms and excess spending in older adults: evidence from WALLET study

As the US population ages, understanding the relationship between mental health and financial stability later in life has become increasingly important. Excess spending among older adults poses a significant risk to financial stability, particularly in the context of psychological factors. This study examined predictors of excess spending, focusing on sociodemographic variables, and depression as measured by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).

Data came from the Wealth Accumulation and Losses in Later life Early Cognitive Transitions (WALLET) study, including 150 older adults from metro Detroit, predominantly African American (65%) and female (80%), with a M age = 72.9 (SD = 7.9).

Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between excess spending and GDS scores (r = 0.21, p < 0.01). In the first model, sociodemographic and health-related variables did not significantly predict excess spending. In the second model, depressive symptoms emerged as a significant predictor of excess spending (β = 0.24, p = 0.010), accounting for an increase in explained variance (ΔR² = 0.043, p = 0.010).

GDS scores were associated with excess spending as determined by review of 12 months of checking statements. These findings underscore the critical role of depressive symptoms in financial behaviors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions addressing psychological factors to mitigate excess spending among older adults.