Effects of Marital Status and Physical Activity on Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in South Korea

Abstract

Background: Depression in older adults is increasing worldwide with marital status and physical activity recognized as factors that influence depression among older adults. This study examines the association of marital status and physical activity with depressive symptoms in older adults. Methods: This study employed data collected by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) in 2014, 2016, and 2018. The respondents comprised 4,134 individuals aged 65 years or older. The study used logistic regression to analyze the association of physical activity and marital status to depressive symptoms. Results: Out of 4,134 respondents, 318 reported depressive symptoms. The study noted the risk of depressive symptoms was 1.39 times higher for those without a spouse than those with a spouse (women: odds ratio=1.39; 95% confidence interval=1.02-1.88). No association was found between physical activity and depressive symptoms. However, the risk of depressive symptoms was 1.75 times higher among physically active respondents without a spouse than those physically active with a spouse. In particular, the risk of depressive symptoms was approximately 2.57 times higher in physically active but spouseless men compared with the reference group, but the association is statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: Although the study does not confirm a significant association between physical activity and depressive symptoms in older adults, it verifies that marital status exerts an impact on depressive symptoms among older adults. Therefore, future studies should establish standards for physical activity and examine the effects of appropriate physical activity on depression among older adults.