Incarceration Exposure, Biological Aging, and Depression Symptoms in an African American Sample of Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives: The study draws upon perspectives on life-course stressors and health to assess whether lifetime incarceration exposure is a determinant of biological aging and self-reported depression. Methods: Using data from a sample of 460 African American participants (average age= 57) in the Family and Community Health Study, the study examined two epigenetic indices of biological aging, DunedinPoAm and GrimAge, as well as a self-reported measure of depression symptoms. Estimates were derived from multivariate regression models with adjustments for selection on observables and confounding factors. Results: Exposure to incarceration was a significant determinant of accelerated biological aging (GrimAge) and the pace of aging (DunedinPoAm) and depressive symptoms. Discussion: Among formerly incarcerated older adults, past experiences with the stressors of incarceration predict key biomarkers of physiological deterioration and depressive symptoms. Incarceration contributes to the mental and physical health burden of older adults.