How social engagement shapes depressive symptoms in later life: uncovering gendered and asymmetric effects.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Social engagement is widely recognized as a protective factor for mental health in later life, yet most studies treat it as a static condition and overlook potential asymmetries in the effects of becoming socially engaged and disengaged. This study examines (1) whether the mental health effects of entering and exiting social engagement are asymmetric, (2) whether these effects differ by the type of engagement (informal vs formal), and (3) whether gender moderates these associations.

Research design and methods

Using 7 waves of data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, we analyzed 6,762 older adults aged 65 and older. Asymmetric fixed effects models were employed to estimate within-person changes in depressive symptoms associated with entry i

SUBMITTER: Kim J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12505128 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature