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Living alone and depression in Chinese older adults
- Authors:
- CHOU K.-L., HO A. H. Y., CHI I.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 10(6), November 2006, pp.583-591.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Western literature has repeatedly indicated a strong relationship between living alone and depression among the aged population, however, studies among the Chinese population are scarce. In this paper, we examine whether the association between living alone and depression is independent of health status, social support and financial strain among Chinese older adults, and subsequently assess whether such association persists after adjusting these variables. Cross-sectional data drawn from the Hong Kong Population Census consisting of 2,003 Chinese elderly people aged 60 or over were analyzed. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses revealed that living alone results in higher levels of depressive symptoms for older women but not for older men. This relationship remained significant even when socio-demographic variables, health indicators, social support, and financial strains were adjusted; yet, the impact of living alone with depression disappeared when all variables were controlled. In summary, this paper is the first to report that living alone is an independent risk factor contributing to depression among Chinese older women, as well as identifying certain significant factors including social support and health indicators that can affect and explain the link between living alone and depression. Preventive measures and related issues were discussed.
Is reciprocity always beneficial? Age differences in the association between support balance and life satisfaction
- Authors:
- LI Tianyuan, FOK Hung Kit, FUNG Helene
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 15(5), July 2011, pp.541-547.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Interpersonal relationships are considered essential, and are beneficial to psychological well-being. Reciprocity in support situations is a key component of this relationship. This study investigated emotional and instrumental support from family or friends, and the relationship between each support balance and life satisfaction among both young and older adults. Participants from Hong Kong included 107 older adults, aged 61 to 93 years, and 96 younger adults, aged 17 to 22. Life satisfaction and emotional and instrumental support they provided to and received from family members and friends were recorded. Findings revealed that older adults reported more emotionally reciprocal friendships than did young adults. However, emotionally over-benefited friendships were associated with higher life satisfaction for older adults than were reciprocal friendships. The authors concluded that age, type of support, and source of support should be considered when investigating the relationships between support balance and overall well-being.