MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF AGING VIETNAM-ERA VETERANS AND NON-VETERANS

摘要

We examine whether participation in the Vietnam War conditions the relationship between early life socioeconomic status (SES) and later-life mental and physical health. Data were from 3,348 (817 veterans) participants in a longitudinal study of high school juniors and seniors that began in 1966. Data from 1966, 1980, and 2010 (ages 60 – 64) were used. Outcome measures assessed in 2010 include depression, posttraumatic stress syndrome, activities of daily living, and chronic conditions. Draft status was related to PTSD but not depression or physical health. Childhood SES was related to physical but not mental health. The role of childhood SES for later-life mental health differed for veterans compared to non-veterans but not for physical health. Aging veterans are not unique in their physical health but are more likely to suffer from mental health problems. Older veterans, even those who were not exposed to combat, likely have mental health needs that may not be sufficiently met.