Elder Abuse and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Loneliness in Older Adults

Elder abuse (EA), depressive symptoms, and loneliness represent a growing risk to the health, well-being, and premature mortality of older adults. However, the role of loneliness in the relationship between EA and depressive symptoms has not yet been examined.

To investigate the associations between these constructs and to explore the possible mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between EA and depressive symptoms in a representative sample of older Mexican people.

A representative community-dwelling survey of older adults aged 60 and older was conducted in two cities in Mexico (Mexico City and Xalapa) in 2018-2019. Measurements of EA, loneliness, depressive symptoms, health, and sociodemographic data were collected. Regression and mediation models were tested to analyze the associations between these variables.

The prevalence of EA was 16.3%, loneliness was 50%, and depressive symptoms were 25.5%. The odds ratio (OR) for the occurrence of depressive symptoms was 2.7 when the combined effects of EA and loneliness were considered. The proportion of the effect that could explain the mediating role of loneliness was 31%.

To effectively reduce depressive symptoms in older individuals affected by emotional or psychological abuse and neglect, it is crucial to address both the mediating influence of loneliness and EA itself in therapeutic and preventive interventions.