Depression and quality of life in old age: a closer look

Abstract

Depressive disorders are among the most widespread mental disorders in old age, with negative consequences for quality of life (QOL). Understanding QOL as a multidimensional construct, in this article we have a closer look on what specific aspects are affected by depression. We used a representative sample of the German population (n = 805) and one of individuals diagnosed with depression (n = 106) to compare QOL using the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-OLD. Multivariate analysis showed that individuals diagnosed with depression exhibited lower QOL with regard to WHOQOL-BREF-dimensions physical health, psychological, social relationships and global QOL and with regard to WHOQOL-OLD-facets sensory abilities, past, present, and future activities and social participation. In addition, in the regression analysis, there were no significant differences between individuals with and without depression with regard to environment (WHOQOL-BREF), autonomy, death and dying, intimacy and overall (WHOQOL-OLD). Associations between depression and QOL in older age are selective in terms of which aspects of QOL are affected. From a methodological perspective, a multidimensional approach to QOL is recommended. From a clinical perspective, our research highlights those areas of QOL that are relevant for health professionals working with older people and that could be the focus of interventions.

Psychosocial Determinants of Quality of Life and Active Aging. A Structural Equation Model

“…Loneliness and daily forgetfulness are two of the major concerns of active older adults and are related to each other. Many studies suggest that affective and depressive disorders have a negative impact on quality of life [15,16]. Social interaction and support are related to life satisfaction, and to the physical and mental well-being of older people [17][18][19][20].…”

A Descriptive Analytical Study on Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Sustainable Aging

“…Despite the proven benefits of PA, a sedentary lifestyle still tends to predominate in many countries. Policies and programs should encourage inactive older people to become more active and should provide them with an opportunity to do so [4]. Aging in each society is determined by cultural values and traditions that also influence the behavior of older people, who may not have an extended period of good health, although there has been an increase in longevity [43].…”

“…The framework of the active aging policy [5] suggests a new paradigm, which sees older people as active participants in an age-integrated society and as active contributors as well as beneficiaries of development [4]. Active refers to continuous participation in matters, but not only being physically active, and health refers to well-being, therefore, policies and programs that increase the well-being and participation of older people in the matters they refer to are particularly welcome [12].…”

“…Aging is characterized by transformations at all levels, whether social, emotional, mental, physical, or psychological, and in it the biological and the familiar aspects, among others, interact individually and in a complex way [50]. Active aging is defined as a process of optimizing opportunities for health and participation, empowering older people in order to enhance QOL as people age; this applies to both individuals and population groups [4]. Policies and programs that remain tied to outdated paradigms associating aging with retirement, illness, and dependence do not reflect reality, since most older people remain independent, promoting their own health, and taking control of their lives [13].…”

“…When developing policies related to population aging, there has been a global promotion of active aging for sustainability, promoting the right of older people to health and active participation in social and community activities [3]. Active aging policies and programs allow them to remain engaged according to their abilities and preferences as they age, preventing or delaying disabilities [4]. In addition, active aging has the potential to confront many of the challenges of individual and population aging, improving mental health and promoting social contacts [5].…”