Changes in depression trends during and after the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults in Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to complement the previous studies conducted within a short period of time by examining the long-term trends in depression levels of older adults through a longitudinal study that includes the period following the onset of COVID-19. For analysis, this study used the data from the 12th (2017) through 16th (2021) Korea Welfare Panel Study, and 2,716 data of older adults 65 years and older were included. Variables included gender, age, equalized annual income (USD $), education background, residential area, living alone and disability status. As a result, two types of changes in depression were identified: the 'rapidly rising' type and the 'steadily increasing'. We found that the lower the equalized annual income, women, the lower the education, living in urban and living alone showed a higher likelihood of belonging to the 'rapidly rising' type. The result suggests that those at risk of depression are at much higher risk during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also necessary to provide timely and effective guidelines to prevent depression in older adults when implementing policies in response to an outbreak of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Impact statementThis paper expands the reader's understanding of the lasting impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, particularly depression, of older adults in Korea. Using a longitudinal approach and growth mixture model, it uncovers longitudinal patterns of depression, categorizing them into 'steadily increasing' and 'rapidly rising' types. Examining demographic factors, including gender, income, education and living arrangements, few specific vulnerabilities of depression among older adults were found. Women, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and individuals living alone or in urban areas were identified as high-risk groups for particular depressive patterns; the 'rapidly rising' type. This study is expected to significantly enhance the understanding of mental health attribution among older adults, providing insights for research and tailored health policies to support the mental health of older adults in the aftermath of the pandemic.www.cambridge.org/gmh