Socioeconomic Status and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in Shanghai, China: The Mediating Roles of Activities of Daily Living and Loneliness

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults, focusing on the mediating roles of activities of daily living (ADL) and loneliness.Methods645 participants aged 60 years old and above from Shanghai, China, were included in the analysis. SES was measured by assessing participant's annual income, educational attainment and occupation, ADL Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale were used to measure physical limitations, loneliness, and depressive symptoms, respectively.ResultsWe found that the direct effect of SES on depressive symptoms was not significant. However, both ADL and loneliness had respective and serial mediating effects in this relationship. The findings suggest that ADL and loneliness play important roles in shaping the mental health of Chinese older adults.ConclusionsThe study highlights the need to conduct interventions targeting maintaining ADL capabilities and reducing loneliness for older adults with lower SES.