Abstract
This study aimed to simultaneously examine the associations between social activity and connectedness and depressive symptoms in older adult couples. Using SEM and data from 116 community-dwelling couples (age 76.18 ± 8.49), we found that engagement in social activities was associated with lower depressive symptoms in men (p = 0.014), whereas more close friendships were associated with lower depressive symptoms in women (p = 0.018), controlling for partner effects, age, education, and cognitive function (CFI: 1.00, TLI: 1.35, RMSEA: 0.00 [0.00, 0.08]). Unexpectedly, we also found better female physical health to be associated with greater depressive symptoms in males (p = 0.029). When examined as dyadic physical health, more incongruence between the physical health of partners was associated with greater depressive symptoms in men (p = 0.007). Discussion will focus on distinct influences of social activity and connectedness on mental health, and the context of gender, marriage, and dyadic health.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
