A recent study led by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has revealed significant variations in the prevalence of depression among community-dwelling older adults in the United States. The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, sheds light on depression trends in this population, a subject that has been underexplored in U.S.-based research.
The study, which analyzed data from nearly 3,000 participants, found that 6.2 percent of community-dwelling older adults reported symptoms of depression. Factors such as a history of depression and annual household incomes above $50,000 were linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing depression. Notably, volunteering emerged as a protective factor, with participants who volunteered showing a 43 percent reduction in depression risk.
“Our findings strengthen existing research on the epidemiology and prevention of depression in older adults,” said Yitao Xi, MPH, a recent graduate from Columbia Mailman School and the study’s first author. “The study provides valuable data on the prevalence of depression in community-dwelling older adults and underscores the potential role of volunteering in reducing depression risks.”
The research was conducted using data from the LongROAD (Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers) study, which enrolled 2,990 active drivers aged 65 to 79 who did not have significant cognitive impairments. Participants were recruited from five study sites across the U.S. — Ann Arbor, MI; Baltimore, MD; Cooperstown, NY; Denver, CO; and San Diego, CA — between July 2015 and March 2017. The researchers used the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) depression scale, alongside medical records, functional tests, and questionnaires, to assess the participants’ depression status.
Among the study’s participants, 7 percent were women, 8 percent were unmarried, and 8 percent had a high school education or less. The study found that depression was more prevalent in adults aged 65 to 69, with 8 percent of individuals in this age group reporting symptoms. In contrast, the prevalence of depression was significantly lower in those aged 70 to 74.
According to Guohua Li, MD, DrPH, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University and the study’s senior author, individuals aged 65 to 69 face significant life transitions such as retirement and the onset of chronic diseases, which can contribute to depressive symptoms. “This age group often experiences changes such as retirement, chronic health conditions, and the loss of social networks, all of which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and increase the risk of depression,” Li explained.
In contrast, individuals engaged in volunteer activities were less likely to experience depression, highlighting the positive impact of social engagement on mental health in older adults. The study also reinforced the well-established link between marital status and depression. “Social relationships, especially marriage, play a critical role in providing emotional support and buffering against mental health issues,” said Li.
As the global population of older adults grows, depression among seniors has become a public health concern. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.4 billion people worldwide are aged 60 or older, and many of these individuals face increased risk of depression due to comorbid medical conditions and lack of social support.
Li emphasized the significance of these findings in light of the broader public health challenge posed by depression in older adults. “Our study highlights the importance of sociodemographic and medical factors in the prevalence of depression in later life,” he said. “It also underscores the need for policies that ensure financial security for older adults and demonstrates the potential of volunteering to mitigate the risk of depression.”
Dr. Soo Borson, editor of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, praised the study’s contribution to the field, particularly its exploration of the protective effects of volunteering. “This study draws attention to the value of work, especially the work of serving others, as a way to combat depression in older adults. Volunteering can help provide a sense of purpose and connection that can buffer against the risks of depression, particularly in those who may be socially or financially vulnerable,” Borson said.
The study’s co-authors include Thelma Mielenz, Howard F. Andrews, Linda L. Hill, David Strogatz, Carolyn DiGuiseppi, Marian Betz, Vanya Jones, David Eby, Lisa Molnar, and Barbara H. Lang, representing institutions such as Columbia Mailman School, University of California, San Diego, Bassett Research Institute, University of Colorado, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
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