Depressive symptoms in older adult couples: Associations with dyadic physical health, social engagement, and close friends.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine associations between level of depressive symptoms in older adult spouse/partner couples and their physical health and social factors (social activity and number of close friends).

Methods

Using data from 116 community-dwelling couples (age 76.2 ± 8.5), we simultaneously analyzed associations between depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale, range 0-11) and dyadic physical health, engagement in social activities, and connectedness with close friends.

Results

Greater engagement in social activities was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in men, whereas more close friendships were associated with fewer depressive symptoms in women, controlling for partner effects, age, education, and cognitive function, w

SUBMITTER: Miller LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9513127 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature