Linking social support network deficits to late-life malnutrition: The hidden psychological pathway

Social and mental health significantly influence the nutritional status of older adults. While a relationship exists between social support network deficits and malnutrition, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore the associations and potential psychological pathways among social support network deficits, depressive symptoms, and malnutrition in older adults.

A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Jockey Club Pathway to Healthy Aging project, collected between May 2022 and June 2024. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the relationships among social support network deficits, depressive symptoms, and malnutrition, as well as the mediating role of depressive symptoms in the overall participants and across body mass index subgroups.

The study included 5,286 older adults, with an undernourishment prevalence of 14.8%. Social support network deficits (β = -0.044, p = 0.004) and depressive symptoms (β = -0.150, p < 0.001) were significantly negatively associated with malnutrition scores, with depressive symptoms mediating 55.1% of the total effect (β = -0.098, p < 0.001). Depressive symptoms acted as a complete mediator in the normal weight group, while it served as a partial mediator in the overweight and obese groups.

The risk of malnutrition in older adults is associated with social support network deficits and depressive symptoms. Preventive strategies should differ based on body mass index, focusing on social factors for overweight and obese individuals while addressing negative emotions in those with normal weight to encourage healthy dietary habits and lifestyles.