Working outside the home protected mental health for older adults during the pandemic

New research using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) reveals that employment stability and in-person work buffered older adults against depression during the first year of COVID-19.

Older adults who continued working outside the home during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced better mental health than those who shifted to remote work or lost their jobs, according to a new study published in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada.

The research analyzed survey responses from about 16,000 Canadians aged 50 and older, collected before the COVID-19 pandemic and twice during the early stages of the pandemic. The findings show that maintaining in-person work provided psychological benefits, while job loss and employment disruptions significantly increased the risk of depression.

“Onsite employment is more than a source of income — it provides structure, purpose, and opportunities for connection,” said lead author Brianna Frangione, who is a PhD student at the  University of Ottawa. “Losing those elements during lockdowns took a measurable toll on many older adults’ mental well-being.” 

The study followed CLSA participants over time, which allowed researchers to distinguish new cases of depression from pre-existing ones.

“Because we tracked the same individuals before and during the pandemic, we could identify when mental-health changes followed employment changes,” said Dr. Ian Colman, a Professor from the University of Ottawa. “That’s a key strength for understanding how life disruptions affect well-being.”

Depressive symptoms rose across most groups

Across nearly all sociodemographic categories, symptoms of depression worsened from pre-pandemic levels to autumn 2020, particularly among women, younger participants, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those with lower incomes.

Compared with retirees, adults who became newly unemployed in spring 2020 were more than twice as likely to develop depression by that autumn. Those who faced layoffs, reduced hours, or other disruptions had a 65% higher risk.

“These results underscore how economic instability can amplify mental-health challenges, especially among people already facing social or financial vulnerability,” said Dr. Ying Jiang, a Senior Epidemiologist with the Public Health Agency of Canada. “The mental-health effects of the pandemic were far from uniform.”

Women reported greater declines in mental health than men, especially following job loss or transitions to remote work.

“Women often shouldered increased caregiving and household responsibilities on top of employment changes,” said Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson, Director of the University of Toronto’s Institute for Life Course & Aging. “That combination contributed to disproportionate stress during the early stages of the pandemic.”

In-person work offered protection

In contrast, participants who continued working in their usual workplace or were essential workers had significantly lower odds of depression compared to those who worked from home or were not considered essential workers. 

“Maintaining a sense of normalcy, whether through daily routines or contact with colleagues, appears to have supported resilience during a period of widespread disruption,” said Dr. Margaret de Groh, a former Manager with the Public Health Agency of Canada. “Even small, regular social interactions can make a meaningful difference.”

Policy implications

Senior author Dr. Paul J. Villeneuve, a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University and the CHAIM Research Centre, emphasized that the findings carry important lessons for public health and workplace policy.

“Supporting stable employment and meaningful social connections are crucial for protecting mental health, particularly among older adults,” Villeneuve said. “For those working remotely, fostering structured routines and social engagement can help maintain many of the same benefits.”

The authors note that remote work itself is not inherently detrimental; rather, its effects depend on social supports, organizational practices, and opportunities for connection. The study concludes that ensuring older adults remain both socially and economically supported during crises is essential for promoting resilience and mental well-being.