Living alone is associated with depression among the elderly in a rural community in Japan

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with depression in a sample of elderly Japanese individuals in a rural community and to examine differences among factors associated with individuals living alone or living with others. Methods: Using a population-based sample from rural Japan, we assessed a total of 1552 participants aged 65 years or older by mailing a survey and evaluating responses based on the Geriatric Depression Scale. Factors associated with depression were also examined. Results: We received 964 valid responses. Depressed subjects comprised 20.5% of the sample. Living alone was significantly related to depression. In individuals living alone, depression was associated with loss of appetite, suicidal ideation, financial strain, and worries in life. However, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the influence of living alone was negated by having a good social support system. Conclusion: These findings confirm that living alone is an important factor in depression among the elderly in a rural part of Japan. Results also confirm what others have found in Western cultures: high levels of social support, awareness of receiving social support, and willingness to receive assistance may reduce the risk of depression.

The Characteristics of Elderly Patients With Suicide Attempts: A Comparative Study With Non-elderly Patients

“…However, the influence of cohabitant status on suicide may vary according to region, sex, and level of health care and social support. As studies also report that living alone is a major risk factor for depression and suicide 50,51) , more detailed research that considers a wider range of variables is necessary.…”

Effects of the Health Status and Health Behavior on Health-related Quality of Life of the Elderly Living Alone and Living with Their Families: Using Data from the 2014 Community Health Survey

“…이러한 노인의 삶의 질과 관련이 있는 스트레 스와 우울은 노인의 자살생각을 유도하는 요인이 되기도 한다 [8]. 특히 가족과 함께 사는 노인보다 가족과 동거하지 않는 독 거노인의 경우에는 우울점수가 더 높은 것으로 알려져 있고 [9,10], 이러한 독거노인의 우울은 경제적인 부담과 삶에 대한 걱정들과도 관련이 있고, 식욕감퇴와 자살생각과도 이어지기 때문에 사회적인 지지체계를 통해 노인의 우울을 감소시켜 주 려는 노력이 중요하다 [11]. 그러나 현실적으로는 노인들에게 는 사회적인 지지가 부족하다는 것이 흔한 문제가 되고 있다 [12].…”

“…따라서 노인의 삶의 질 향상을 위하여 우울감이 있거나 운 동이나 사회적 지지가 부족하다는 등의 취약점을 파악하여 이 에 대한 중재를 실시하는 것이 필요하다 [13,14]. 특히 독거노인 은 가족동거노인에 비해 신체적 ․ 정서적 ․ 경제적인 측면 등에 서 상대적으로 취약한 편에 속하고 [10,15,16], 사회적인 지지 수준도 더 낮기 때문에 [11,17], 자신이 긍정적인 지지를 받고 있다고 생각하는 경우가 적을 뿐만 아니라, 외로움을 더 많이 느끼게 된다. 따라서 독거노인을 대상으로 한 사회적 지지와 친밀감을 증가시키는 것이 그들의 삶의 질 향상을 위해서 중요 한 사항임에는 틀림없다 [12,17].…”

The moderating effect of spiritual well-being on the association between depressive state and living arrangement in the elderly in rural Okinawa

“…The present study aimed to investigate the mod- 33) , lower education level 34) , lack of social interaction 35) and lack of social support 8,16,36) were found to be significantly associated with higher prevalence of depression or depressive state. Although no significant association was found between depressive state and other demographic variables such as sex, social interaction with family and relatives, and reception of social support in the present study, a significant association was obser ved between depressive state and all demographic variables in previous studies 33,35,37) , and the possibility of confounders needs to be considered.…”

“…In addition, correlations have been reported between living arrangement (living alone or with others) and lonely death, suicide attempts, and depression 8) . These social issues are prevalent not only in Japan, but also in other countries around the world.…”