AI Article Synopsis

  • The study assessed how paid work, volunteering, and informal helping can lessen depressive symptoms in older adults with dual sensory loss (DSL).
  • Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, it involved 2,688 participants, half of whom developed DSL during the research period.
  • While all activities linked to lower depression levels, only volunteering significantly improved the depressive symptoms of those with DSL, suggesting it could be an effective mental health intervention for this group.

Article Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of three productive activities (paid employment, volunteer work, and informal helping) to mitigate the negative effects of dual sensory loss (DSL) on depressive symptoms among older adults. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze longitudinal data from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study. The sample consisted of 2,688 persons: 1,380 who developed DSL during the study and 1,308 who did not. Although participation in each of the productive activities was associated with fewer depressive symptoms for older adults with DSL, volunteering was also the only variable that moderated the relationship between DSL and depressive symptoms. Persons with a DSL who volunteered exhibited a larger decrease in depressive symptoms compared to persons without sensory loss who volunteered. A volunteer intervention for older adults with DSL may be a viable option to help reduce depression in this population.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3115554PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0164027511399106DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

depressive symptoms
20
older adults
16
productive activities
12
symptoms older
12
sensory loss
12
dual sensory
8
dsl depressive
8
adults dsl
8
dsl
6
depressive
5

Similar Publications

Background: Depression and anxiety are commonly experienced by people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate person- and service-level factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. We sought to also understand utilisation of mental health treatments and preferences for future psychological support.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The incidence and mortality of lung cancer is the highest among malignant tumors worldwide, and it seriously threatens human life and health. Surgery is the primary radical treatment for lung cancer. However, patients often experience discomfort, changes in social roles, economic pressures, and other postsurgical challenges.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Multiple studies have demonstrated associations between psychiatric conditions and Parkinson's disease (PD) development; fewer have examined psychotic-spectrum disorders and PD development.

Objective: The objective was to assess the prevalence of psychotic-spectrum disorders with and without depression and anxiety preceding a PD diagnosis.

Methods: In this retrospective, case-control study of adults > 60 years of age, cases were identified by PD diagnosis and controls were identified in a 3:1 ratio by ambulatory encounter from 2015 to 2020.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Dropping out of a peripartum depression mHealth study: participants' motives and suggestions for improvement.

BMC Med Res Methodol

January 2025

Department of Women's and Children's Health - Obstetric & Reproductive Health Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, 751 85, Sweden.

Background: Peripartum depression is a common but potentially debilitating pregnancy complication. Mobile applications can be used to collect data throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period to improve understanding of early risk indicators.

Aim: This study aimed to improve understanding of why women drop out of a peripartum depression mHealth study, and how we can improve the app design.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!