Key result
Higher social activity is linked to fewer subsequent depressive symptoms and vice versa.
Why the study?
Social activity correlates with depressive symptoms in older adults with multimorbidity, but few studies have evaluated this bidirectional longitudinal association over time or the moderating role of subjective life expectancy.
What is the bidirectional longitudinal association between social activity and depressive symptoms in older adults with multimorbidity, and does subjective life expectancy moderate this association?
Cohort (n=1,435)
Yes
What is the bidirectional longitudinal association between social activity and depressive symptoms in older adults with multimorbidity, and does subjective life expectancy moderate this association?
Effect estimate: β=-0.054
p-value: p=<0.050
There are reciprocal longitudinal associations between social activity and depressive symptoms among older adults with multimorbidity, with baseline depressive symptoms having a stronger negative impact on subsequent social activity than the reverse.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May support monitoring social activity in multimorbid older adults with depressive symptoms; leaves open bidirectional causality and SLE moderation.
Li et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Multimorbidity and depressive symptoms (n=1,435). Social activity was evaluated on Depressive symptoms at follow-up (T2) (β=-0.054, p=<0.050). Baseline social activity was significantly negatively associated with subsequent depressive symptoms (β=-0.054), and baseline depressive symptoms were negatively associated with subsequent social activity (β=-0.112).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: