The Impact of Age, Gender, and Race on the Relationship Between Depression and Self-Rated Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the prediction of baseline depression for subsequent changes in self-rated health is consistent across different age cohorts, gender, and racial groups. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING: A total of 6,714 participants who were 65 years old or older and took part in both the first and the second wave of Assets and Health Dynamics among the Oldest-Old (AHEAD) national survey of community-dwelling older adults were examined. STUDY DESIGN: A two-year prospective cohort study. PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: Baseline depression was an independent risk factor, which not only decreased the odds of having substantial improvement in self-rated health but also increased the possibility of having substantial decline in self-rated health in older men and women, and in Blacks and Whites of all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early prevention and treatment of depression among community-dwelling older adults may not only reduce their health decline but also promote their health.