Risk factors for depressive tendencies among community-dwelling older adults living alone

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to identify age-specific factors associated with depressive tendencies among community-dwelling older adults living alone and to provide foundational data to support the prevention of mental and psychological frailty. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 1,580 older adults living alone in City B, Prefecture A, all of whom were regularly visited by community welfare commissioners. The survey collected data on age, gender, years of living alone, social participation, and other relevant variables. It also included the Geriatric Depression Scale-5 (GDS-5) to assess depression risk and the Eleven-Check questionnaire to assess frailty risk. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with depression risk as the dependent variable and items associated with depression risk as independent variables, adjusting for demographic attributes. Results: Responses were obtained from 1,184 individuals (response rate: 74.9%). After excluding respondents with missing GDS-5 responses and other incomplete data, 770 individuals (valid response rate: 65.0%) were included in the analysis. The sample comprised 174 men (22.6%) and 596 women (77.4%), with a mean age of 80.47 ± 5.81 years. Current physical condition, frailty risk, and social interaction were identified as significant factors associated with depression risk. Conclusions: Frailty risk and social interaction influence depressive tendencies among older adults living alone. Preventing frailty and creating opportunities for social engagement are therefore crucial strategies for supporting mental health in this population.