Effect of Spousal Loss on Depression in Older Adults: Impacts of Time Passing, Living Arrangement, and Spouse’s Health Status before Death

Abstract

In addition to increasing the mortality among older adults, spousal death (SD) increases their risk of depression. This study explored the factors affecting depression among widowed older adults to provide health care strategies for successful aging. A total of 710 adults older than 60 years completed a questionnaire before and after their spouses’ deaths. The survey data included age, sex, ethnic group, education level, financial station socioeconomic status, SD (including time point), smoking status, alcohol consumption, self-rated health status, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score, mobility, and degree of support from relatives and friends. The proportion of participants with depression after SD was 1.7 times that of before SD (p < 0.0001). Worsened mobility (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3, p < 0.01), low self-rated health status (OR = 0.5, p < 0.01), and a high degree of support from relatives and friends (OR = 1.5, p < 0.01) had a significant positive correlation with depression after SD. The proportion of depression that occurred within 6 months after SD was 6.0 times higher than that of depression before SD. Participants who lived alone after losing their spouses who were healthy before their deaths exhibited a significantly increased proportion of depression after their spouses’ deaths. Male sex, spouse’s health, and the period of 6 months after SD are risk factors for depression in older adults. The maintenance of mobility, positive self-rated health status, and a shorter period of depression after a spouse’s death result in more favorable adaptability among women. Social workers or family members should focus on older adults whose spouses died unexpectedly or within the last 6 months. Living with family members after SD can alleviate depression in older adults.

Analyzing Depressive Symptoms Among Elderly Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Examination of Demographic and Medical Correlates

“…In this study, elevated levels of depression were notably observed among widowed elderly patients, a finding consistent with research by Hung et al [ 25 ] .This underscores the potential impact of having family support nearby on increased social interactions and enhanced self-esteem. Additionally, a lower prevalence of depression was noted among patients with a university education or higher, as indicated by Keyes et al [ 26 ].…”

Functional Status of the Elderly and their Rehabilitation Needs: A Mixed-Method Study in a Slum of Kolkata, West Bengal

“…Many previous studies have also found a positive correlation between depression and worsened mobility in elderly. 21,22 As disability and mobility problems increase with age, use of assistive devices such as canes, crutches, and walkers, increase a patient's base of support, improves balance, increased activity and independence, proving that significant association between functional dependency in ADL and assistive device use among the elderly may exist, as found in our study.…”

Gender differences in geriatric depressive symptoms in urban China: the role of ADL and sensory and communication abilities

“…Some studies found that living alone was a risk factor for depression in older adults, while others found no association. There was also some evidence to suggest that the relationship between living arrangement and depression may vary by gender ( 26 ). Additionally, the relationship between living arrangement and depression may be influenced by other social factors, such as social support, social isolation, and life events.…”