Trajectories of Depression and Their Predictors in a Population-Based Study of Korean Older Adults

The aim of this study was to determine trajectories of depression in older adults and to identify predictors of membership in the different trajectory groups. A total of 3983 individuals aged 65 or older were included. Latent class growth models were used to identify trajectory groups. Of 3983 individuals, 2269 (57%) were females, with a mean baseline age of 72.4 years ( SD = 6 years). Four depression trajectories were identified across 8 years of follow-up: “low-flat” ( n = 3636; 86.6%), “low-to-middle” ( n = 214; 9.2%), “low-to-high” ( n = 31; 1.3%), and “high-stable” ( n = 102; 2.9%). Compared to the low-flat depression group, high-stable depression group members were more likely to be female, have three or more chronic diseases, and were more likely not to own a home. Our findings will assist health policy decision-makers in planning intervention programs targeting those most likely to experience persistent depression in order to improve psychological well-being in the elderly.