Determinants of Social Activity Among Geriatric Patients in Northern Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: The aging population poses a significant challenge to global public health, impacting the physical, mental, and social health of older adults. Social activity has been widely acknowledged as a protective factor for both mental and physical well-being. Research indicates that consistent engagement in social activities can mitigate the risk of depression, prevent cognitive decline, and support physical functionality. This study aims to explore the correlations and associations between two variables related to social activity (self-reported activity level and time spent with friends) and various other variables among geriatric patients in Northern Romania. Methods: This cross-sectional, single-center observational study utilized data from 588 geriatric patients (402 females and 186 males) admitted to the Geriatrics ward of the Municipal Clinical Hospital. The dataset included variables such as sociodemographic information, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and SARC-F questionnaire scores, time spent with friends, and activity levels. Descriptive statistics were computed alongside statistical tests to examine group differences, associations, and predictive relationships. Results: The sample was characterized by variability in age, educational attainment, and pension levels. The statistical analyses revealed significant differences based on education, pension, and civil status. Patients with higher GDS and SARC-F scores had lower odds of spending time with friends or belonging to the active or extremely active groups. Notably, women reported higher GDS scores and lower activity levels compared to men. Conclusions: Understanding the factors that influence social activity among older adults is essential for designing targeted interventions aimed at preventing social isolation and fostering healthy aging across diverse demographic and environmental contexts.