DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS AND LIFE SATISFACTION IN OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Background: Consequences of social isolation have worsened in populations of older adults during the current COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in the number of older individuals who show depression symptoms and change in life satisfaction levels has been verified. Studies which evaluate depressive symptomatology and the sense of life satisfaction in older individuals are necessary for healthcare planning. Objective: Investigate the presence of depression symptoms and of life satisfaction levels in older individuals during the current pandemic. Methods: This is a quantitative and exploratory research using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS15) and its first question to evaluate life satisfaction. Results: The surveyed older adults were 428 individuals with an average age of 67.54±5.65. Most of them were females and 33% of them lived alone. 85% of them reported being satisfied with their lives. Their GDS15 score was 3.39±4.00 and there were no statistical differences between groups of individuals living alone or in the company of others. On the other hand, it was verified that participants who were satisfied with their lives showed lower scores in the GDS15 (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was verified that the sense of life satisfaction is related to depression symptoms. Such findings document the importance of life satisfaction, making it an essential indicator of subjective well-being and of life quality development to older adults within the current pandemic scenario.