# Association between home entrance characteristics and depression: A cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older adults in Japan

## TL;DR

This study finds that having plants or flowers near the home entrance is linked to lower depression rates in older Japanese adults, especially in apartment buildings.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel focus on home entrance characteristics as a potential factor influencing depression in older adults.

## Key findings

- Homes with plants or flowers near the entrance had 16% lower depression prevalence.
- In apartment buildings, entrance plants were linked to 28% lower depression prevalence.
- No significant association was found in detached houses.

## Abstract

Depression among older adults is associated with cognitive function decline and increased risk of premature mortality. Numerous studies have reported associations between residential environments and depression. However, few have investigated the association between home entrance characteristics and depression. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the association between entrance characteristics and depression among older adults.

A cohort study was conducted among Japanese adults aged 65 years and older using data collected in January 2022 and October 2023. The analysis included 2046 individuals (mean age: 74.8 ± 6.2 years) in one ward in Tokyo. Depression in 2023 was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Explanatory variables were entrance area characteristics in 2023. Modified Poisson regression was performed to estimate prevalence ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

Of the 2046 participants, 458 (22.4 %) were classified as depressed. Compared with participants living in homes without plants or flowers near the entrance, those living with plants were associated with lower prevalence of depression (prevalence ratio: 0.84; 95 % CI: 0.71–0.98). Stratified analysis by housing type showed that in apartment buildings, prevalence ratio of depression among those with plants or flowers was 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.52–0.99). However, no significant association was observed among residents of detached houses (prevalence ratio: 0.85; 95 % CI: 0.70–1.03).

Our findings underscore the importance of considering residential entrance features to support the mental health of older adults. Entrance designs and management systems that allow the placement of plants and flowers can help reduce depression among older adults.

•Association between house entrance features and depression in older adults examined.•Overall and housing-type stratified analyses conducted.•Homes with entrance plants were associated with 16 % lower prevalence of depression.•For apartments, entrance plants were associated with 28 % lower prevalence of depression.•Findings can guide housing design to support older adults' mental health.

Association between house entrance features and depression in older adults examined.

Overall and housing-type stratified analyses conducted.

Homes with entrance plants were associated with 16 % lower prevalence of depression.

For apartments, entrance plants were associated with 28 % lower prevalence of depression.

Findings can guide housing design to support older adults' mental health.