Housing Dissatisfaction and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Analysis of a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of community-dwelling Americans over age 50 indicated that rating the physical condition of one s dwelling unit as poor predicted significantly more rapid cognitive decline in subsequent years. This relationship persisted after controlling for a variety of factors such as wealth, income, education, health, family status, neighborhood safety, depression, and initial cognitive ability. Dissatisfaction with the physical conditions of one s housing may have a direct effect on the rate of cognitive decline in older adults. Addressing housing inadequacy for older adults may thus produce a wider range of societal benefits than previously realized.