title: Longitudinal Trajectories of Quality of Life and Depression by Housing Tenure Status.
abstract: A large body of research has demonstrated the positive effects of home ownership on well-being and health outcomes. However, most previous studies have been cross-sectional. The present study aimed to understand the long-term impact of housing tenure on the psychological wellbeing of older people in New Zealand.
  
  
  
  Data were collected between 2010 and 2014. The 2010 sample (aged from 50-85 years) comprised 2,843 participants (55.4% female). Latent growth curve modeling was used to investigate trajectories of change for home owners and tenants in quality of life and depression symptoms. Analyses also examined the additional impact of demographic and socio-economic variables.
  
  
  
  Over time, quality of life increased, while depression symptoms decreased, for home owners. For tenants, lower levels of quality of life and higher levels of depression symptoms remained stable. Economic living standard, urban versus rural residence, length of residence, ethnicity, age, and household composition emerged as significant covariates.
  
  
  
  The psychological benefits of home ownership highlight the importance of secure and sustainable housing. Policies should be designed to ensure access to safe housing solutions for all older people.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Szabo
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alpass
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stephens
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000066498:Emotional Adjustment; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010067:Ownership / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors