The Mediating Role of Social Participation in Motoric Cognitive Risk and its Relation to Depression and Loneliness in Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) reduces the quality of life, independence, and social interaction in older adults. Social participation is a potentially modifiable factor that benefits cognitive and mental health. This study explored the mediating roles of social participation between MCR and depression and between MCR and loneliness. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the 2015–2016 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. Slow gait speed and cognitive decline were used to assess MCR. Mediation analysis was applied to two models, both of which used MCR as an exposure and social participation as a mediator. The outcomes were depression and loneliness for each model, respectively.Results: Among 1,697 older adults, 196 (11.6%) had MCR. The mediating role of social participation was statistically significant in both models. The indirect effect (β=0.267, p=0.001) of MCR on depression through social participation comprised 11.97% of the total effect (β=2.231, p<0.001). The indirect effect (β=0.098, p=0.001) of MCR on loneliness through social participation was 19.48% of the total effect (β=0.503, p<0.001). Conclusion: Interventions to increase social participation may reduce depression and loneliness of older adults with MCR.

Bidirectional Longitudinal Association between Back Pain and Loneliness in Later Life: Evidence from English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

“…Loneliness is a risk factor for various health outcomes, including physical and cognitive decline, mental illness, and cardiovascular disease, 9 , 10 ) It is defined as a state in which individuals experience a deeply felt lack of social contact or belongingness or a sense of isolation. 9 ) Loneliness is also a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain.…”