Is Depression in Old Age Fatal Only When People Feel Lonely?

Stek, Max L.; Vinkers, David J.; Gussekloo, Jacobijn; Beekman, Aartjan T.F.; Mast, Roos C. van der; Westendorp, Rudi G.J.

doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.162.1.178

Cited by 112 publications

(81 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Negative interactions, which have not generally been taken into consideration when studying social networks and mental health, may help explain these relationships [6]. In general, the findings of the present study are also consistent with by the model suggested by Cacioppo et al According to these authors, loneliness occurs in clusters, extends up to three degrees of separation in the social network, is disproportionately represented at the periphery of social networks, and spreads through a contagious process [28]. Rosenquist et al also suggested that depression followed a similar process of spreading through the social network, with higher levels of depression in individuals with a smaller number of contacts [29].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Loneliness and depression in the elderly: the role of social network

Domènech‐Abella

Lara

Rubio-Valera

et al. 2017

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol

365

230

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Purpose. Loneliness and depression are associated, in particular in older adults. Less is known about the role of social networks in this relationship. The present study analyzes the influence of social networks in the relationship between loneliness and depression in the older adult population in Spain. Results. Feelings of loneliness were more prevalent in women, those who were younger (50-65), single, separated, divorced or widowed, living in a rural setting, with a lower frequency of social interactions and smaller social network, and with major depression. Among people feeling lonely, those with depression were more frequently married and had a small social network. Among those not feeling lonely, depression was associated with being previously married. In depressed people, feelings of loneliness were associated with having a small social network; while among those without depression, feelings of loneliness were associated with being married. Conclusion.The type and size of social networks have a role in the relationship between loneliness and depression. Increasing social interaction may be more beneficial than strategies based on improving maladaptive social cognition in loneliness to reduce the prevalence of depression among Spanish older adults.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Loneliness and depression in the elderly: the role of social network

Domènech‐Abella

Lara

Rubio-Valera

et al. 2017

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol

365

230

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“…The health effects of loneliness have been less well studied than those of social networks, however, loneliness has been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes (O'Luanaigh and Lawlor, 2008), including an increased risk of all cause mortality (Seeman, 2000), and of suicide (Waern et al, 2003). The lonely have an increased risk of depression (Cacioppo et al, 2006) and one study reported that the excess mortality in the elderly depressed was confined to those who were lonely (Stek et al, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Loneliness, social support networks, mood and wellbeing in community‐dwelling elderly

Golden

Conroy

Bruce³

et al. 2009

Int J Geriat Psychiatry

511

313

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“…[2,3] Chronic feelings of loneliness may indicate negative health consequences including high blood pressure, worsened immune and cognitive function, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and subsequently, increased mortality. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Older immigrants are especially vulnerable to loneliness since they may encounter tremendous changes in their social lives while adapting to living in another country. Many older immigrants struggle to maintain their international social connections, and further, linguistic and cultural barriers impede their efforts to establish new social networks and relationships in the host country.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The association between filial piety and loneliness among Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area

Dong

Zhang

Chang

2015

JER

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Background: Loneliness is an important health indicator for psychological well-being. This study aims to examine the association between filial piety and loneliness among Chinese older adults in the U.S. Methods: Data were drawn from the PINE study, a population-based study of 3,159 Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in the greater Chicago area. Severity of loneliness was the dependent variable. Independent variables were the expectation and perceived receipt of filial piety, examined in six domains. Negative Binomial Regression analyses were conducted. Results: Lower levels of perceived filial piety receipt were associated with greater severity of loneliness (Ratio of Expected Severity: 0.92, 0.91-0.94) after adjusting for socio-demographics and medical co-morbidities. Expectation of filial piety was not associated with severity of loneliness. Conclusion: Our findings indicate higher perceived receipt of filial piety may protect older adults from loneliness. Our study suggests that cultural sensitivity need to be considered in the detection and intervention of loneliness.

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Is Depression in Old Age Fatal Only When People Feel Lonely?

Abstract: The data suggest that the increased mortality risk attributable to depression in the presence of perceived loneliness may result from motivational depletion.

Cited by 112 publications

References 15 publications

Loneliness and depression in the elderly: the role of social network

Loneliness and depression in the elderly: the role of social network

Loneliness, social support networks, mood and wellbeing in community‐dwelling elderly

The association between filial piety and loneliness among Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area

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