ELDER ORPHANS AND THE RISK FOR LONELINESS AND MAJOR DEPRESSION. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adams, K; Fortinsky, R; Steffens, D
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 669
• Page End: 669
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2491
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Theories of Successful Aging and current gerontological research suggest that social connectedness remains crucial in later life. "Elder orphans" – those who live alone and lack close relationships – may be especially vulnerable to social isolation and mental health sequelae. This study examined associations among indicators of elder orphan status, loneliness, and depression. Data were derived from the baseline of an ongoing multi-wave study of late-life depression among adults ages 60+. All participants were interviewed by a geriatric psychiatrist; 123 (73.7%) were diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 44 (26.3%) were non-depressed. We examined effects of four indicators of elder orphan status (living alone, plus unavailability of nearby children, siblings, or friends) on loneliness frequency, and then with loneliness as an independent variable in the model, on MDD diagnosis. Gender, comorbidities, and financial difficulty were included in hierarchical and logistic regression models as covariates. In the hierarchical regression model, two indicators of elder orphan status— living alone (p < .001) and lack of nearby friends (p = .009)—were significant predictors of loneliness frequency. In the logistic regression model, worse health (Exp(B) = 1.7, p < .001) and loneliness (Exp(B) = 4.2, p < .001), were significant predictors of MDD diagnosis. Objective elder orphan indicators were associated with loneliness after controlling for health and financial concerns, and, in turn, frequency of loneliness, along with health conditions, was a significant predictor of MDD. Findings suggest elder orphans may be especially vulnerable to loneliness, and confirms earlier research linking loneliness and depression.