Impact of Different Type and Frequency of Social Participation on Depressive Symptoms Among Older Chinese Adults: Is There a Gender Difference?

Abstract

Objectives: Social participation may prevent depressive symptoms in older adults. But research to date ignores gender differences in the associations between social participation and depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different type and frequency of social participation on depressive symptoms, as well as if there is a gender difference in these correlations among older Chinese adults.Methods: Data was obtained from adults aged 60 years or above in the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, a nationally representative sample of older adults in China. Depressive symptoms were measured using CESD-10. Social participation included participation in social groups, hobby groups, sports groups, and community-related organizations. The independent relationships between each type of social participation and depressive symptoms were assessed using multiple linear regression models.Results: A total of 6,287 older adults were included in this analysis, of whom 49.69% were women. Participating in social groups, sports groups, and community-related organizations with a frequency of one or more per week was all linked to better mental health. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the positive relationship between participation in social groups, hobby groups, and community-related organizations and depressive symptoms is more flexible for older men than for women.Conclusions: Older individuals who participate in social participation at a high frequency may have better mental health. The findings provide novel insights into mental health from the standpoint of social participation in older adults. Gender differences in the associations between social participation and depressive symptoms need to be considered when formulating interventions to prevent depression.

Differences According to Sex in the Relationship between Social Participation and Well-Being: A Network Analysis

“…In addition, interests and life experiences usually differ along certain lines for males and females [ 20 ]. These findings were in accordance with the results of other studies such as those by Li et al and Xiao et al, which indicated that females tended to participate more in housework and light-intensity activities than males, who appeared to be more engaged outside the home, including participation in sports and socially oriented activities, in China [ 15 , 19 ]. These phenomena seem to hold true in both Eastern and Western cultures [ 20 ].…”

“…Studies have pointed out that social participation could reduce individuals’ negative emotional experiences (e.g., depressive symptoms) [ 11 ] and enhance their well-being [ 12 , 13 ]. A study of 314 healthy adults demonstrated that individuals involved in volunteering or paid work reported higher levels of well-being [ 14 ]; social and community-related activities could promote better emotional health [ 15 ]. However, social activities are so varied that it is difficult to cover them comprehensively.…”

“…The social construct is also reflected in the differences in social participation [ 18 ], whereby females tend to be more engaged in household activities and in helping others than males, who appear to be more engaged in activities outside the home such as sports, socializing, and associational memberships [ 19 , 20 ]. Another study showed that females were more likely to engage in physical activity than males [ 15 ]. Research on the differences between males and females in social participation has not yielded conclusive results.…”

Medical expenditure and its inequity for people with disabilities: Evidence from the CHARLS 2018 data

“…In the CHARLS database, the disability status was assessed with the question “Do you have one of the following [physical disabilities, brain damage/mental retardation, vision problem, hearing problem, speech impediment] disabilities?” Responses were categorized as “yes” or “no” ( 25 ). Participants with two or more types of disabilities were defined as multiple disabilities ( 26 ).…”

Editorial: Late-onset depression and mania: Diagnosis, treatment and life events as risk factors

“…These findings may imply that retirement could represent a trigger risk factor in those individuals presenting with psychiatric vulnerability or a previous attenuated form of mood disorder. On the other hand, ( 9 ) investigated prevention strategies in Chinese individuals aged ≥65 years old. The sample, balanced for gender, included 6,287 elderly adults.…”