SUPPORT FROM FRIENDS, BUT NOT CHILDREN, BUFFERS AGAINST DEPRESSION AMONG LEFT-BEHIND OLDER ADULTS
2024
Support from Friends Helps Older Adults Who Are Left Behind
Sample size: 185
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Suyi, Lu Minjie, Fung Helene H
Primary Institution: Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai
Hypothesis
Does support from friends and children improve the well-being of left-behind older adults?
Conclusion
Support from friends can help reduce depression in older adults who are left behind when their children migrate.
Supporting Evidence
- Left-behind older adults reported higher depression levels compared to those living locally.
- Perceived support from children was linked to lower depression in the migration and local groups.
- Support from friends was crucial in reducing depression among left-behind older adults.
Takeaway
When older people are left behind by their children, having friends around can help them feel less sad.
Methodology
The study recruited left-behind older adults and compared their depression levels with those who migrated with their children and those living locally.
Participant Demographics
52 left-behind older adults, 69 migrated with children, and 64 living locally, with an average age around 65.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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