Jul 2026· Geriatrics Gerontology and Aging· 0 citations· 35 references
TL;DR
PIL in older adults was negatively associated with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables and subjective health perception, underscore the need for integrated strategies to promote mental health and purpose in life in aging populations.
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the association between purpose in life (PIL) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 446 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years) in Patos de Minas, Brazil. PIL was assessed using the 10-item subscale of the Purpose in Life Scale. Depression, anxiety, and stress (primary independent variables) were measured using the DASS-21. Self-perceived health, sex, age, and educational attainment were included as control variables in the regression models. Group comparison tests and Poisson regression with robust variance were applied, adopting a 5% level of statistical significance.
Results: Participants with moderate to severe symptoms of depression (PR 1.99; 95% CI 1.40 – 2.83), anxiety (PR 1.71; 95% CI 1.20 – 2.45), and stress (PR 1.43; 95% CI 1.00 – 2.05) had a higher risk of low PIL. Negative self-rated health was also associated with this risk (PR 1.47; 95% CI 1.05 – 2.05), whereas higher educational attainment was associated with a lower risk (PR 0.48; 95% CI 0.23 – 0.88).
Conclusions: PIL in older adults was negatively associated with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables and subjective health perception. These findings underscore the need for integrated strategies to promote mental health and purpose in life in aging populations.
The clustering of psychological distress variables, particularly among sedentary individuals, highlights the importance of promoting active lifestyle as a strategy to mitigate mental health burden in this population of older adults.
H. Figueira, O. Figueira, A. Figueira et al.· Discover Public Health· 0 citations
Background: Depressive symptoms have become a significant public health issue faced by middle-aged and older adults in China. Although previous studies have primarily focused on demographic and socioeconomic factors, the association between modifiable lifestyle behaviors and depressive symptoms still requires further investigation. Objective: To examine the associations between sleep duration, physical activity, digital participation, social participation, and depressive symptoms as well as life satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS). Depressive symptoms were defined as CES-D-10 scores ≥10, with 13,576 individuals included in the analysis sample. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated using modified Poisson regression, while ordinal logistic regression was employed to analyze life satisfaction. The analysis controlled for covariates such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and health status, and accounted for the complex sampling design. Results: The weighted prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.5%. Sleep deprivation (<7 h/day) was significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms (aPR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.33–1.68); participation in recreational activities was significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms (aPR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.96); adequate physical activity was associated with a higher prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms (aPR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.32); watching videos (aPR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–0.99) and playing online games (aPR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50–0.83) were significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms; and overall internet use was correlated with lower life satisfaction (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81–1.00). Women, rural residents, and low-income groups exhibited higher prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Sleep deprivation, as well as different types of social engagement, physical activity, and digital behavior, exhibit distinct associations with depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults. Behavioral intervention strategies targeting sleep hygiene, leisure activities, and tailored digital behaviors warrant further attention.
Shu Wang, Y. Shirayama, Ishtiaq Ahmad et al.· Behavioral Science· 0 citations
SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between lower limb strength and symptoms of anxiety and depression in communitydwelling older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 99 community-dwelling older adults (69.5±6.6 years; 81.8% women) assessed between 2021 and 2023 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Inclusion criteria were age ≥60 years, independent mobility, and medical clearance. Participants were excluded if they had uncontrolled chronic or cardiovascular diseases, a history of stroke, unmanaged neurodegenerative disorders, active psychiatric comorbidities that could interfere with psychological assessments, or musculoskeletal injuries preventing safe participation in testing. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory and Geriatric Depression Scale. Lower limb strength was measured using the 30-Second Chair Stand test and classified according to age- and sex-specific normative values. RESULTS: Participants with below-average lower limb strength had higher odds of anxiety symptoms (OR 10.90; 95%CI 1.97–60.33; p=0.006). Lower limb strength was also associated with depressive symptoms, although with a smaller effect size (OR 3.96; 95%CI 1.06–14.74; p=0.040). Age was positively associated with anxiety (p=0.019), while no significant associations were observed for sex. CONCLUSION: The 30-Second Chair Stand test may have potential as a complementary screening indicator to identify older adults at elevated psychosocial risk.
Poliany Pereira Cruz, R. A. De Sousa, L. Felício et al.· Revista da Associação Médica...· 0 citations
Mental health issues are an increasing challenge for public health, affecting all populations, especially women. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among reproductive-aged women. This study was conducted on a sample of 376 Iranian women aged 20-50. Socio-demographic status, dietary intake, physical activity, mental health status, and anthropometric status were assessed using a general demographic questionnaire, a food frequency questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42) questionnaire, and a digital scale and wall-mounted stadiometer, respectively. To assess the association of mental problems with potential factors, binary logistic regression was used. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was 47.6%, 52.4%, and 38.3%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, a higher wealth index (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12-0.66) and higher dietary diversity (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12-0.46) were associated with lower odds of depression. Larger household size (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.06-2.74) and higher dietary diversity (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17-0.61) were associated with anxiety, while overweight (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.28-3.49) and higher dietary diversity (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24-0.87) were associated with stress. Findings revealed a high prevalence of mental health issues among Iranian women. Several factors, especially dietary quality, can influence mental health. Further studies with larger sample sizes and a prospective cohort design are necessary to understand this relationship better.