Individual and Cumulative Health and Lifestyle Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: Evidence from NHANES
Issued Date
2026-02-01
Resource Type
eISSN
23083417
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105031374132
Journal Title
Geriatrics Switzerland
Volume
11
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Geriatrics Switzerland Vol.11 No.1 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Srisoem C., Haddad M., Panyasarawut J., Shi L. Individual and Cumulative Health and Lifestyle Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: Evidence from NHANES. Geriatrics Switzerland Vol.11 No.1 (2026). doi:10.3390/geriatrics11010005 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/115577
Title
Individual and Cumulative Health and Lifestyle Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: Evidence from NHANES
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Background: Depression in older adults is a multifactorial condition influenced by health status, functional capacity, and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to investigate the individual and combined associations of these factors with late-life depression. Methods: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study evaluated the associations of general health, chronic conditions, functioning, and lifestyle behaviors (including physical activity, sleep, diet quality, smoking, and alcohol use) with depressive symptoms among U.S. adults 65 years and older. Weighted logistic regression models, accounting for the complex survey design of NHANES, were used to examine the factors both individually and in combination. Results: Depressive symptoms were more prevalent among individuals with poor self-rated health, physical and cognitive functional limitations, hypertension, obesity, current smoking, physical inactivity, and alcohol abstinence. A clear cumulative risk gradient was observed with increasing numbers of risk factors: older adults with six or more risk factors had at least 20-fold higher likelihood of depressive symptoms compared with those with one or no risk factors. Conclusions: These findings highlight the interdependent influences of health, function, and lifestyle on late-life depressive symptoms and underscore the need for integrative prevention and intervention strategies to promote mental well-being in aging populations.