How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the well-being of people living alone in Japan? A comparison of older adults and their characteristics
This study examines the association between living arrangements and older adults’ well-being measured by happiness and K6 levels before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using Japanese panel data. The data used in this study are from the Japan Household Panel Survey, which are representative panel data. The study conducts surveys before and after the spread of COVID-19. The differences-in-differences estimation that controls for individual fixed effects generates three findings. First, the happiness of older men living alone decreased during the spread of COVID-19. However, we did not find a significant impact of living alone among older women. Second, when we used the detailed living arrangements variables, including living alone, living together as a couple, a couple living with others, and living without a spouse but with others, the well-being of men living alone or living together as a couple worsened. Meanwhile, the well-being of women did not vary significantly for either living arrangement. Last, additional analysis, including the sample of other age groups, such as those under 39 years and 40–64 years, revealed that the mental health of women under 39 years deteriorated when they lived alone during the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall analysis shows distinct gender differences in the impact of living alone, and the adverse effects of living alone were substantial for older men and younger women.
