Association of Eating Alone With Depression Among Older Adults Living Alone: Role of Poor Social Networks

Abstract

Objectives: Eating alone is associated with an increased risk of depression symptoms. This association may be confounded by poor social networks. The present study aimed to determine the role of poor social networks in the association of eating alone with depression symptoms, focusing on cohabitation status. Methods: Seven hundred and ten community-dwelling older adults were categorized according to their eating style and social network size, evaluated using an abbreviated version of the Lubben Social Network Scale, with poor social network size (defined as the lowest quartile). Living arrangements and depression symptoms, detected using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, were also assessed. Results: A mixed-design two-way analysis of covariance (eating style and social network size factors) for the depression scale score, adjusted by covariates, yielded significant effects of social network size and eating style without interaction. Greater depression scores were observed in eating alone and poor social network size. Analysis of participants living with others showed the same results. However, among older adults living alone, only a significant main effect of social network size was observed; poor social network size resulted in greater depression scores irrespective of eating style. Conclusions: Poor social network size, and not eating alone, was associated with greater depression symptoms among older adults living alone, whereas both factors may increase depression symptoms among older adults living with others. Poor social network size may show a stronger influence on depression than eating alone in older adults living alone; thus, social network size is an important health indicator.

Interaction of Eating Status and Dietary Variety on Incident Functional Disability among Older Japanese Adults

“…However, the independent association between eating status and disability identified in this study is not consistent with that in previous studies, which have shown that older men living with others and eating alone have an increased risk of mortality ( 12 ), and eating alone has been associated with nutritional risk ( 5 ), poor appetite ( 9 ), and depression ( 6 , 10 , 11 ). In this study, the relationship between eating alone and functional disability was nullified by adjusting for physical function, lifestyle, and depression, thus suggesting that these variables may mediate the association between eating alone and disability.…”

“…Eating alone has been identified as one of the risk factors for malnutrition associated with eating behavior ( 5 ), reducing dietary variety ( 6 , 7 ), nutrition intake ( 8 ), and appetite ( 9 ). Several studies have indicated that eating alone is associated with depression ( 6 , 10 , 11 ) and mortality among older men living with others ( 12 ). Reduced social networks and social support after losing a spouse or peers and friends among older adults can lead them to eat alone.…”

Relationship between Eating Alone and Poor Appetite Using the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire

“…Previous studies have reported that people who eat with same-sex friends experience increased energy intake [19], and those who frequently eat together are more likely to feel better about themselves and have a wider social network that provides them with social and emotional support [20]. In addition, Sakurai et al [21] reported that despite living with others, those who eat alone are more prone to depression. Thus, eating with others in a community-based salon for the elderly may offer an opportunity for older adults to eat together outside the household, expand their social network, and further prevent malnutrition and depression.…”

Associations among Solo Dining, Self-Determined Solitude, and Depression in South Korean University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Finally, a multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the impact of general and solo dining-related characteristics, SDS, and NSDS on depression. For the regression model, we developed a causality based on some earlier studies [ 13 , 14 ]. We used the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test to verify the normality of the data, and the Breusch–Pagan test to verify the homoscedasticity of residuals for linear regression.…”

“…In a study on college students, eating alone had a significant positive correlation with depression [ 12 ]. However, most studies that investigated the relationships between eating alone and the occurrence of mental health problems, particularly depression, focused on the elderly [ 13 , 14 ]. In particular, it is difficult to find a study that analyzes the association among solo dining, motivation for solitude, and depression in university students.…”