Study shows perceived gender discrimination linked to poorer mental wellbeing in older women

Research from the United Kingdom conducted in 2024 has highlighted a worrying connection between perceived gender discrimination and declines in mental wellbeing among middle-aged and older women — reinforcing calls for action to tackle sexism and support women’s mental health.

A large longitudinal analysis published in PLOS ONE tracked more than 3,000 women aged 52 and over who took part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). It found that those who reported having experienced gender discrimination in daily life also reported significantly poorer mental health outcomes — both at the time of the survey and up to six years later.

Key findings

Researchers led by Dr Ruth A. Hackett at King’s College London found that 9.2% of participants said they had encountered gender discrimination, such as being treated with less respect or courtesy and attributing it to their gender rather than other factors.

Compared with women who did not report discrimination, those who did were significantly more likely to have:

• Higher depressive symptoms (a stronger tendency towards signs of depression)

• Greater loneliness scores, indicating more frequent feelings of social isolation

• Lower quality of life

• Lower life satisfaction
  

These associations were statistically significant even after adjusting for other known influences on wellbeing such as age, wealth, physical activity and smoking status.

A prospective effect

Importantly, the study showed that perceived gender discrimination may have long-term implications for wellbeing. Over a six-year follow-up, women who reported perceived discrimination were more likely to experience:

• Increased loneliness

• Reduced quality of life

• Lower life satisfaction
  

This suggests that the impact of perceived sexism on wellbeing is not just a short-term reaction but may contribute to a downward trend in mental health over time.

Expert perspective

Dr Hackett, a lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, said the findings underscore the “enduring harmful impact of sexism” on women’s wellbeing, noting that the results were independent of other demographic and lifestyle factors. She emphasised the importance of reducing gender discrimination to protect mental wellbeing.

Broader context

The new study builds on a growing evidence base showing that perceived discrimination of any kind can harm mental health, including increased stress, depression and reduced general wellbeing — effects observed across gender, race and age groups in previous research.

Campaigners and health professionals argue that gender discrimination — even in its subtle forms — should be recognised as a public health concern, not only a social justice issue. According to Age UK, gender bias often combines with ageism to amplify disadvantages faced by older women, compounding risks to their health and quality of life.

What this means for policy and care

The study’s authors say their findings point to the need for:

• Public health initiatives that explicitly address gender discrimination

• Improved mental health support services tailored to older women

• Continued efforts to promote gender equality across society
  

While the research is observational and relies on self-reported perceptions of discrimination, its size and prospective design strengthen the evidence that everyday sexism is more than a passing irritation — it can have lasting effects on mental wellbeing.

As policymakers and health leaders work to improve support for older adults, these findings add weight to calls for structural solutions to reduce gender-based bias and its psychological toll.