Impact of Geographic Access to Social Services on Depression in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Choi Seo-Yun, Chung Soondool
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
Geographic accessibility to social services moderates the relationship between perceived age discrimination and depression in older adults.
Conclusion
Improving geographic access to social services can help reduce the negative impact of perceived age discrimination on depression among older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Age discrimination significantly affects the mental health of older adults in South Korea.
- Only 2.2% of older adults with depression utilize mental health services.
- Perceived ageism is positively associated with depression (r=.220, p<.01).
- Geographic access to social services significantly moderates the relationship between perceived ageism and depression.
Takeaway
Older people who feel discriminated against because of their age can get more help for depression if social services are easier to reach.
Methodology
The study used correlation and moderating effect analyses with SPSS PROCESS Macro Model 1.
Limitations
Further research is needed to understand regional characteristics better.
Participant Demographics
Individuals aged 65 and above from South Korea.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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