Being older during the pandemic: Factors affecting depressive symptoms in the older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Abstract

ABSTRACT International literature emphasizes that numerous factors are associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing depressive symptoms in individuals aged 60 years and above during the COVID-19 period in Turkey by establishing a model of inter-factor analysis. The participant group consisted of 394 individuals aged 60 years (M = 69.2 S.D = 6.7). Participant group was selected who were continuing their education at the Rejuvenation Campus established to serve those aged 60 and above at Akdeniz University. Data collection tools included a Personal Information Form, The Beck Depression Inventory and The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The analysis of the data obtained in the study was conducted using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation, along with the moderated mediation methods. This study examined the relationship between factors, such as COVID-19 fear, perceived social support, educational status, number of children, and perceived social exclusion and/or stigmatization by society due to being an older adult on depressive symptoms. According to the findings of the study, fear of COVID-19 has a direct and positive relationship on depressive symptoms. Additionally, it has been determined that the fear of COVID-19 has a direct and negative relationship on perceived social support. Apart from these findings, it is understood that perceived social support has a preventive mediating role on the relationship of COVID-19 fear on depressive symptoms. Finally, it was seen that self-report based sociodemographic control variables, negative relationship with depressive symptoms and positive relationship with perceived social support.