Objective: We examined cumulative and differential experiences of aging in place.
Method: Data came from the 2002 and 2010 wave of the Health Retirement Study. We modeled the trajectory of later-life depressive symptoms, and how senior-housing environments moderate the negative association between economic disadvantages and depressive symptoms.
Results: At baseline, economically disadvantaged older adults were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. However, detrimental effects of income group (non-low income vs. moderate income; non-low income vs. low income) on depressive symptoms did not significantly change over time. The age-leveler hypothesis may account for nonsignificant effects of disadvantaged income groups over time.
Discussion: Findings suggest that moderate-income seniors may experience positive differentials if they age in place in a supportive senior-housing environment. Moderate-income seniors may have broader opportunities in senior housing compared to private-home peers. Senior housing might partially counter risks such as low mental health, emerging from life-course disadvantage.
Keywords: aging in place; later-life depressive symptoms; life course; low income; person–environment fit.