Fewer older Americans experience anxiety and depression compared to other groups, study finds

Comprehensive national health to work It finds that older Americans demonstrate greater emotional resilience and significantly lower rates of anxiety and depression symptoms than younger age groups.

The study, conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics and published in November 2024, examined mental health patterns across different age groups between 2019 and 2022. The study found that nearly 1 in 5 American adults experience anxiety symptoms overall (18.2%). or depression (21.4%) rates varied significantly by age.

Only 11% of adults 65 and older reported anxiety symptoms are significantly lower than the 27% rate among adults aged 18-29. Depression followed a similar path; While 19 percent of the elderly reported symptoms, this rate was 27 percent of young adults.

Specifically, most demographic groups saw increases in anxiety and depression between 2019 and 2022, while rates among older Americans remained steady. This stability contrasted with significant increases in other age groups, particularly among adults aged 18-44.

The study’s findings also revealed that mental health patterns vary by geographic location and economic status. Rural residents showed higher rates of both conditions compared to urban residents, while higher education and income levels were associated with lower rates of symptoms across all age groups.

Gender differences emerged as important factors; women reported higher rates of both conditions than men in all age categories. However, the gender gap was less pronounced in the 65 and older demographic.

The study used standardized measurement tools, including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale and the Patient Health Survey depression scale, to assess symptom severity across various demographic categories. Data come from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey, which includes responses from adults in urban and rural settings across the country.