Comprehensive Comparison between Empty-nesters and Non-empty-nesters in Anhui, China: Subjective Well-being and Depression

Abstract

BACKGROUND: China is one of the countries facing the most serious population aging. Empty-nesters accounted half of the total old adults in China, improving mental health status of old people is necessary. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the subjective well-being and depression comprehensively between empty-nesters and non-empty-nesters in Anhui, China.METHODS: 1452 participants were surveyed by using the demographic characteristics questionnaire, the subjective well-being (SWB) single-choice facial expression questionnaire and the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30).RESULTS: Education level and depression were risk factors for both groups ( P <0.05), but age, marital status, living mode, and religious belief were main risk factors for empty-nesters ( P <0.05). Monthly individual income and SWB were risk factors for both groups( P <0.05), but living mode, religious belief and physical exercise were main risk factors for elderly empty-nesters, whereas economy situation was the main risk factor for non-empty-nesters( P <0.05).CONCLUTION: The influencing factors of two groups had similarities and differences. With the aging population of China, improving mental health status of old people was necessary. We should implement targeted interventions addressing mental health influencing factors of older adults.