Stress Relief, Living Arrangements, and Depression Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in the Philippines

The Philippines is transitioning into an aging population. This results in problems associated with the mental health of older people. However, despite studies of depression in later life, there has been limited literature on the experience of those from rural communities in low and middle-income countries. This study examines depression, stress and stress relief measures used, and living arrangements of older adults (≥ 60 years) living in rural areas in the Philippines and compares depressed older adults from those that are not depressed. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using interviewer-assisted surveys. Convenience sampling was conducted to obtain data from 410 older people seeking care at rural health clinics across the Philippines. Data were analyzed through frequencies and chi-squares. Those who were depressed accounted for 11.5% of the respondents, while 77.1% reported some level of stress. Their stress relief measures included eating regularly (82.9%), exercise (64.6%), praying (62%), hanging out with friends and family (22%), and getting massages (7.3%). Around a third of respondents lived alone. For overall life stress, those who were not depressed reported that their lives were somewhat stressful, significantly higher than their depressed counterparts. Respondents who answered that work and money were their causes of stress showed significant differences compared to those who experienced no work or money-related stress. For stress relief measures, those who performed exercise and identified hanging out with friends and family as measures to maintain good wellbeing were significantly less likely to report depression. There were no differences among those living alone or older adults living with either adults, children, or both. Depression is an area of concern for community-dwelling older people in rural municipalities. The results of our study suggest the need to develop primary care services such as depression screening, health education and promoting healthy lifestyles, spirituality, stress management, and creating activities that will promote social interaction and maintain a social network.