Trajectory classes of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults following the transition to living alone

Abstract

This study identified the trajectory classes of depressive symptoms after transitioning to living alone and the factors affecting these trajectories. Data from the initial to the seventh waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed, focusing on four consecutive waves. We selected 369 participants aged ≥45 who transitioned to living alone between consecutive waves (T1 and T2). They were followed up for six years (T1 to T4) while living alone from T2 to T4. Using latent class growth modeling, three trajectories emerged: low-lessening, moderate-lessening, and high-stable. The highly stable class was associated with older age, more chronic diseases, lower satisfaction with health and financial status, and less frequent social interactions at T1 than the low-lessening class. These findings underscore the importance of community-based interventions for middle-aged and older adults with risk factors as they face an increased risk of depression over time after transitioning to living alone.