Loneliness, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, and Elder Abuse in Older Adults: A Community-based, Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Rapid population aging in India is accompanied by increasing psychosocial vulnerabilities among older adults, particularly loneliness, depression, suicidal ideation, and elder abuse. These conditions often co-occur, yet their combined burden remains underexplored in community settings. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of loneliness, depression, suicidal ideation, and elder abuse and to examine their interrelationships and sociodemographic correlates among community-dwelling older adults. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 625 adults aged ≥65 years in a semi-urban region of western India (October 2024–December 2025). Standardized instruments were used to assess loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal ideation (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale), and vulnerability to abuse (Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale). Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariable linear regression. Results: High levels of psychosocial distress were observed: 44% of participants reported severe loneliness, 51% had depressive symptoms, 12% exhibited high-risk suicidal ideation, and 39% showed high vulnerability to abuse. Females demonstrated significantly higher loneliness, depression, and abuse scores ( P < 0.01). Loneliness showed strong positive correlations with depression ( r = 0.76, P < 0.001) and suicidal ideation ( r = 0.53, P < 0.001). Multivariable regression models explained substantial variance across outcomes ( R 2 = 0.49–0.73), with loneliness and depression emerging as dominant, interrelated predictors. Conclusion: Loneliness, depression, suicidal ideation, and elder abuse form a highly interconnected psychosocial risk cluster among older adults in semi-urban India. These findings underscore the need for integrated, community-based screening and intervention strategies addressing multiple domains of vulnerability simultaneously.