Depression in Older Adults: Linking Daily Living Impairment and Socioeconomic Status

TL;DR

This study explores how daily living challenges and socioeconomic factors are linked to depression in older adults using U.S. data.

Contribution

The study identifies specific socioeconomic and functional factors associated with depression in older adults using logistic regression analysis.

Findings

ADL difficulties significantly increase the odds of depression in older adults.

Lower education and income levels are linked to higher depression rates.

Hispanic ethnicity and marital status like separation or divorce are associated with increased depression.

Abstract

Depression is a significant public health problem among older adults. We aimed to investigate the association between depression, socioeconomic status, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in Health and Retirement Study 2018 data.A logistic regression analysis was conducted (n = 8,437). The dependent variable was an answer to a question about feeling depressed in the past week. Independent variables included education, ADL difficulties, gender, marital status, age, race/ethnicity, and household income. The model controlled for Hispanic ethnicity and racial categories, with appropriate reference groups. Study population includes 55% female, mean age of 75, 76% white individuals. ADL difficulties were associated with increased odds of depression. Each additional ADL limitation significantly increased odds of depression, with coefficients rising from β = 0.87 (1 ADL) to β = 1.96 (5+ ADLs), (p < 0.001). Females had higher odds of depression than males (β = 0.23, p = 0.004). Marital status like separation (β = 0.99 p < 0.001) or divorce (β = 0.38, p = 0.002) significantly increased depression. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with higher odds of depression compared to non-Hispanics (β = 0.58, p < 0.001). Lower education levels are linked to higher depression rates. Odds decrease as education increases: β=-0.32 for high school, β=-0.47 for some college, and β=-0.81 for college and above. Individuals with higher income are less likely to report depression (β = - 0.40, p < 0.001). Older individuals are less likely to report depression (β = -0.012, p = 0.02).Depression in older adults is associated with functional, social, and demographic factors in a complex way.