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A recent study has revealed that older individuals in England are experiencing greater happiness, life satisfaction, and a renewed sense of purpose compared to pre-pandemic times. The study, published in the journal Aging and Mental Health, tracked 3,999 individuals aged 50 and above over an 11-year period.
Psychological Well-Being Trends
Researchers from University College London (UCL) analyzed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) between 2012 and 2023. They found that all aspects of psychological well-being declined during the latter half of 2020, with happiness dropping by 11%, positive well-being by 12%, and life satisfaction by 33%. However, between 2021 and 2023, well-being measures rebounded, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The study categorized positive well-being into three types:
- Affective well-being (happiness)
- Eudemonic well-being (sense of purpose and meaning)
- Evaluative well-being (life satisfaction)
Depression and Mental Health Concerns
Despite the improvement in overall well-being, the study found that depression rates among older adults remain slightly elevated. Before the pandemic, 11.4% of older individuals experienced depression, which rose to 27.2% during the pandemic. While this rate has since declined, it remains higher than before, at 14.9%. Researchers suggest that difficulties in accessing healthcare services and lingering pandemic-related stress may be contributing factors.
Lead author Professor Paola Zaninotto from UCL’s Department of Epidemiology and Public Health commented, “While depression remains slightly more prevalent, it is remarkable that overall happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose have improved beyond pre-pandemic levels. This may reflect an increased appreciation for social connections, greater psychological resilience, and improved health security due to vaccinations.”
Differences Across Age and Socioeconomic Groups
The study highlighted variations in well-being recovery among different demographics:
- People in their 50s: This group initially reported lower well-being than older counterparts. Their well-being did not decline as sharply during the pandemic, possibly because their pre-pandemic levels were already low. However, their depressive symptoms increased significantly before improving post-pandemic.
- People over 75: This group showed smaller improvements in well-being and depression levels post-pandemic, potentially due to health limitations, reduced socialization, or psychological difficulty in adapting to pandemic-related changes.
- Affluent individuals: Wealthier participants reported a greater decline in well-being during the pandemic, possibly due to disruptions in their usual social activities and travel. However, they also rebounded strongly post-pandemic.
Call for Continued Mental Health Support
The study suggests that while well-being has improved, mental health challenges persist, particularly among those who faced significant pandemic-related hardships. Researchers emphasize the need for continued mental health support and policies tailored to the lingering effects of the pandemic.
Professor Zaninotto added, “Our findings highlight the importance of ongoing support for older adults, especially those with limited financial resources or pre-existing health conditions.”
Study Strengths and Limitations
This study’s strengths include its large and representative sample, as well as the use of longitudinal data to track changes in well-being over time. However, researchers acknowledged that certain pandemic-era constraints limited their ability to use more detailed psychological assessments.
Conclusion
While the pandemic initially had a significant negative impact on mental health, the study suggests that older people in England have demonstrated resilience, emerging with a greater sense of happiness and purpose. However, the continued prevalence of depression highlights the need for sustained mental health support and targeted interventions.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes findings from the study “Recovery of psychological well-being following the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging,” published in Aging & Mental Health (2025). The conclusions drawn are based on the research conducted and may not apply universally. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personalized mental health guidance.
