Relationship between Depression and Aging Awareness among Frail Older Adults Living Alone in Japan

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between depression and aging awareness among older adults living alone with low-level long-term-care needs. Methods: Participants were older adults aged 65 years and older in Japan. Data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire. Participants were categorized based on their long-term care need level, from Support 1 to Care 2 according to the care insurance criteria in Japan. The questionnaire included: 1) the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Version-Japanese (GDS); 2) items on aging life satisfaction at present, and positive and negative aging awareness in the past (when they were young); 3) the SF-8 to assess health-related quality of life; 4) the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6); and 5) items on the use of care services. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 457 participants were recruited. Their mean age was 83.9 ± 6.5 years; 39.8% of the participants had a GDS score of 6 and above. In the regression analysis, the GDS score significantly correlated with aging life satisfaction at present, negative aging awareness in the past, mental health, and social networks. Conclusion: Older adults living alone who have positive views of their current lives and lacked negative views of aging in their younger years were resistant to depression after being certified as requiring low-level long-term care. Preventing and improving depression in this population requires community-based support to expand their social networks and to help individuals of all ages view the aging process positively.