Depressive symptoms among older adults in Turkey: Evidence from a nationally representative ageing survey

A Study on the Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China Based on CHARLS 2020 Data

Background: Depressive symptoms have become a significant public health issue faced by middle-aged and older adults in China. Although previous studies have primarily focused on demographic and socioeconomic factors, the association between modifiable lifestyle behaviors and depressive symptoms still requires further investigation. Objective: To examine the associations between sleep duration, physical activity, digital participation, social participation, and depressive symptoms as well as life satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS). Depressive symptoms were defined as CES-D-10 scores ≥10, with 13,576 individuals included in the analysis sample. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated using modified Poisson regression, while ordinal logistic regression was employed to analyze life satisfaction. The analysis controlled for covariates such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and health status, and accounted for the complex sampling design. Results: The weighted prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.5%. Sleep deprivation (<7 h/day) was significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms (aPR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.33–1.68); participation in recreational activities was significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms (aPR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.96); adequate physical activity was associated with a higher prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms (aPR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.32); watching videos (aPR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–0.99) and playing online games (aPR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50–0.83) were significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms; and overall internet use was correlated with lower life satisfaction (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81–1.00). Women, rural residents, and low-income groups exhibited higher prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Sleep deprivation, as well as different types of social engagement, physical activity, and digital behavior, exhibit distinct associations with depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults. Behavioral intervention strategies targeting sleep hygiene, leisure activities, and tailored digital behaviors warrant further attention.

Multidimensional determinants of depression and non-depression in older adults: evidence from national data.

BACKGROUND The global demographic transition indicates a rapid shift toward an aging population structure. Good mental health in advanced ages is critical for a healthy aging. Problems such as depression reduce life expectancy and impose a societal burden. This study aims to examine, through a multidimensional approach, the sociodemographic, economic, health-related, functional, and psychosocial factors affecting depression levels among individuals aged 65 and over in Türkiye. METHOD In this study, microdata from the Türkiye Older Adult Profile Survey conducted by Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) in 2023 was utilized. The analysis included a total of 10,348 individuals aged 65 and over who personally responded to perception-related questions. The dependent variable, depression level, was categorized as "not depressed," "mild," and "severe" according to Geriatric Depression Scale scores. In the analysis of the data, a generalized ordered logit model and marginal effects were employed due to the violation of the parallel lines assumption. FINDINGS Depression was common among older adults, with 46.71% exhibiting mild depressive symptoms. Specifically, 34.26% were mildly depressed and 12.45% were severely depressed, while 53.29% were classified as non-depressed. According to the analysis results, female gender, living alone, low-income level, and experiencing financial hardship significantly increase the risk of depression. In terms of health status, poor self-rated general health, sensory impairments (vision/hearing difficulties), history of falls, and the need for home care are the main factors increasing the likelihood of depression. An increase in functional independence (KATZ index) and maintaining a physically active lifestyle exhibit protective effects. Additionally, strong neighbor support, a higher number of support people, and a sense of autonomy in decision-making processes significantly reduce the level of depression. CONCLUSION Geriatric depression in Türkiye is a multidimensional phenomenon with complex socioeconomic and environmental determinants, in addition to biological factors. In particular, older women, individuals living alone, and economically disadvantaged groups are at high risk. The findings indicate that, to support healthy aging, clinical interventions alone are insufficient; strengthening social support networks, enhancing urban accessibility, and urgently developing inclusive public health policies that promote older adults'autonomy are required.

Prevalence and determinants of domain specific cognitive impairment in older adults in North India

Abstract The rapid growth of India's elderly population necessitates understanding the determinants of cognitive health. Objective: This study examined the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its association with socio-demographic, health, and behavioural factors among community-dwelling older adults in urban Delhi. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2023 among 290 adults aged ≥60 years in South-West Delhi, selected through multistage sampling. Data on socio-demographics, health status, and lifestyle were collected via structured interviews. Cognitive function was assessed using the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) and classified as intact, mild to moderate, or severe impairment. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified explanatory dimensions; multivariable ordinal logistic regression examined associations; and K-means clustering grouped participants by cognitive profiles. Results: Overall, 52.8% had intact cognition, 37.2% mild to moderate impairment, and 10% severe impairment. Severe impairment was most prevalent among those aged ≥81 years (61.5%) and with no formal education (55.2%), while intact cognition was highest among skilled workers (26.6%) and those with high school or higher education (43.8%). Significant factors included age, education, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, dietary intake, sleep quality, mental activity, and social engagement (all p<0.001). PCA yielded eight principal components capturing behavioral, health, and socio-demographic domains. K-means clustering identified two distinct cognitive profiles based on performance and associated factors. Conclusion: Cognitive status in older urban adults is shaped by modifiable health and lifestyle factors. Community-based interventions promoting physical activity, social participation, and healthy behaviors may help preserve cognition in aging populations.

Depression and Functional Disability Among Older Adults in Brazil: Analysis of the 2019 National Health Survey

A cross-sectional latent class analysis of depressive and anxiety symptoms in people aged 65 and older

Key factors contribute to differences in depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults: gender, body mass index, ethnicity, occupation before retirement, marital status, physical disability status, independence in activities of daily living, number of chronic diseases, smoking and drinking habits, dietary habits, recreational activities, physical activity, and sleep quality.

Factors Influencing the Onset and Severity of Depressive Symptoms: A Survey-Based Study in the Italian Population.

BACKGROUND Depression is a leading global health concern and is projected to become one of the major contributors to the global burden of disease in the coming decades. Increasing evidence highlights the role of social determinants-including socioeconomic conditions, social relationships, life stressors, discrimination, and environmental influences-in shaping the risk and clinical expression of depressive disorders. This study aimed to investigate social determinants associated with the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in Italian general population. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,036 adults from the Italian general population, recruited through personal networks and online platforms using snowball sampling. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, social support, stressful life events, quality of life, minority stress experiences, social media use, environmental and societal concerns, substance use, and mental health symptoms. Comparative analyses were performed between individuals reporting a clinician-diagnosed depressive disorder (n = 143; 13.8%) and those without a diagnosis (n = 893). RESULTS Participants with a depressive disorder reported significantly higher exposure to multiple adverse social determinants. They were more likely to experience stressful life events, reduced perceived social support, poorer quality of life, minority stress, and negative psychosocial effects related to social media use. Concerns regarding broader socio-environmental issues, including political instability and climate change, were also more prevalent in the diagnosed group. These social vulnerabilities were accompanied by greater severity of depressive symptoms, anxiety-related manifestations, impulse-control difficulties, aggressive behaviors, and the use of substances as a coping strategy (all p ⩽ .003). CONCLUSIONS The findings support social determinants framework for understanding depression, highlighting the contribution of social adversity, environmental stressors, and relational factors to the development and severity of depressive symptoms. Population-based surveys can help identify vulnerable groups and inform preventive strategies and public health interventions aimed at addressing the social conditions that contribute to depression.