Influence of Health Status, Cognitive Function, and Social Capital on Depressive Symptoms in Korean Older Adults.

Abstract

The current study explored the influence of health status, cognitive function, and social capital on depressive symptoms in Korean older adults. Data from the National Survey of Older Koreans, conducted by the Korean Institute for Health and Social Affairs in 2017, were used. Social capital was measured by dividing it into structural and cognitive social capital. Final analysis included 6,100 individuals aged ≥65 years (mean age = 72.6, SD = 5.8 years; 3,466 males [56.8%], 2,634 females [43.2%]). Multiple hierarchical regression analysis indicated that age, income, economic activity status, religion, household type, self-rated health, apoplexy (e.g., stroke, cerebral infarction), cognitive function, structural social capital, and cognitive social capital were significant predictors of depressive symptoms in older adults. This study suggests that researchers and clinicians should consider the factors associated with self-rated health, cognitive social capital, and economic status (income and economic activity) to prevent or alleviate depressive symptoms in older adults. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(10), 24-31.].