Impact of Offspring Divorce on the Decline in Sensory Function among Korean Adults: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: To investigate the impact of offspring divorce on sensory decline using data from middle-aged and older adults in South Korea, where family lives are strongly linked. Methods: This study used the data of 8,688 adults aged ≥45 years included in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2020). Sensory decline was assessed using self-reported questionnaires on vision and hearing using the lagged general estimating equation. Results: People experiencing sensory decline were more likely to be older, female, and have a lower educational level. Economic disparities were also evident, and health-related habits differed slightly between the two groups. The smoking rates tended to be higher in the sensory decline group, but the current drinking rate was significantly lower. The sensory decline group also had significantly higher prevalences of comorbidities and was more likely to experience functional limitations. Offspring divorce was independently associated with sensory decline. Subgroup analyses further revealed that the association remained significant in older adults, males, and those with a low socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Our study data suggest that offspring divorce is associated with sensory decline in Korean middle-aged and older parents.