| Abstract [eng] |
In older age, the diversity of social connections often decreases, the loss of close relationships increases and the feeling of loneliness intensifies. The changes can negatively affect emotional well-being and overall health status. The aim of the study was to assess the significance of social network characteristics and loneliness for depression in older adults, controlling for sociodemographic and physical health factors. The analysis was based on data from the ninth wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), collected using probabilistic sampling. A total of 4741 participants aged 65 to 102 from the Baltic countries were included. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop predictive models, which revealed that loneliness was the strongest predictor of depression, while higher social network satisfaction was associated with lower depression. In contrast, social integration and social connectedness had no significant predictive value. This study contributes to the examination of the associations between social network, loneliness and depression in older adults. |
