OBJECTIVE: The purpose is to investigate whether social engagement protects against depressive symptoms in older adults. METHOD: Three waves of data from a representative cohort study of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and above from the New Haven Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly are examined using random effects models. RESULTS: Social engagement (an index combining social and productive activity) is associated with lower CES-D scores after adjustment for age, sex, time, education, marital status, health and functional status, and fitness activities. This association is generally constant with time, suggesting a cross-sectional association. In addition, social engagement is associated with change in depressive symptoms, but only among those with CES-D scores below 16 at baseline. DISCUSSION: Social engagement is independently associated with depressive symptoms cross-sectionally. A longitudinal association is seen only among those not depressed at baseline.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose is to investigate whether social engagement protects against depressive symptoms in older adults. METHOD: Three waves of data from a representative cohort study of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and above from the New Haven Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly are examined using random effects models. RESULTS: Social engagement (an index combining social and productive activity) is associated with lower CES-D scores after adjustment for age, sex, time, education, marital status, health and functional status, and fitness activities. This association is generally constant with time, suggesting a cross-sectional association. In addition, social engagement is associated with change in depressive symptoms, but only among those with CES-D scores below 16 at baseline. DISCUSSION: Social engagement is independently associated with depressive symptoms cross-sectionally. A longitudinal association is seen only among those not depressed at baseline.
Authors: Teresa E Seeman; Dana M Miller-Martinez; Sharon Stein Merkin; Margie E Lachman; Patricia A Tun; Arun S Karlamangla Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2010-12-31 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Jeanine M Parisi; Jin Xia; Adam P Spira; Qian-Li Xue; Marin L Rieger; George W Rebok; Michelle C Carlson Journal: Act Adapt Aging Date: 2014-01-01