Abstract
BackgroundThis study examined the effect of depression on suicidal ideation among older adults in South Korea. Furthermore, this study investigated how social support, as a factor that reduces depression among older adults, mediates the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation.MethodsBased on a survey of 260 older adults in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, suicidal ideation, depression, and social support were evaluated using the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Measurement of Social Support in the Elderly, respectively.ResultsA multiple regression analysis confirmed that depression and social support were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Based on path analysis, we found that social support mediated the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsTherefore, this study provides concrete insights for policymakers and social workers about how suicidal ideation among older adults may be diminished. Particularly, the role of depression and social support in suicidal ideation is a matter of concern for older adults in South Korea.
Highlights
South Korea is gradually becoming a super-aged society, with the world’s fastest aging population [1]
This study examined the association of depression and social support with suicidal ideation among older adults in South Korea
This study found that social support was strongly associated with suicidal ideation
Summary
South Korea (hereafter, Korea) is gradually becoming a super-aged society, with the world’s fastest aging population [1]. In 2026, 20.8% of the population is expected to be aged above 65 years [2] The impact of this compressed aging phenomenon will be felt at the social and national levels, and inevitably cause various complex social problems. The explosive economic and social changes in Korean society have diminished the status and role of older adults at a faster rate than elsewhere, while there has been a significant increase in the older population. This study examined the effect of depression on suicidal ideation among older adults in South Korea. This study investigated how social support, as a factor that reduces depression among older adults, mediates the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation
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