The association between functional disability and depressive symptoms among older adults: Findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).

Background: Previous research has shown that depressive symptoms in older adults was associated with functional disability, including basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). However, little is known about the impact of different patterns of functional disability and new-onset functional disability on subsequent depressive symptoms.

Objective: To determine the effect of various patterns of functional disability and new-onset functional disability on depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults aged 60 years and above.