Widowhood, Parenthood, and Health Behaviors in Older Adulthood

Lauren Newmyer , Bowling Green State University
Carlyn Graham, Texas A&M University
Adrienne Bostelman, Bowling Green State University

Population aging continues to reshape societies and individuals across the globe. Widowhood is a critical transition in older adulthood linked to a range of health outcomes such as increased mortality risk and mental health issues, as well as changes in health behaviors. However, evidence remains mixed regarding who is most affected by widowhood and how these effects evolve over time. Gender and social support are key factors, but the role of parenthood remains underexplored. This study uses the Health and Retirement Study to investigate the relationship between widowhood and health behaviors among older adults in the United States. Employing logistic growth curve models, we analyze health behavior trajectories across marital transitions, with particular attention to variation among widowed individuals by parenthood status and gender.

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 Presented in Session P2. Families, Fertility, and the Life Course 2