Living alone, major depression and suicidal ideation in older adults in the community: Findings from 2005 to 2021

Understanding whether living alone correlates with depression and suicidal ideation is key to identifying older adults at risk.

We pooled data from the 2005, 2010, 2017, and 2021 nationally representative cross-sectional Health Barometer surveys conducted by Santé Publique France, and focused on adults aged 65 to 75 (n = 12,026). Logistic regressions were performed to identify associations between 12-month major depressive episode (MDE), suicidal ideation (SI) and living alone, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Analyses were conducted in the overall sample and stratified by sex.

Overall, 18.3% of men and 33.8% of women lived alone. In total, 5.5% of adults experienced MDE: 8.8% of those living alone and 4.3% of those not living alone (χ² = 80.94, df = 1, p < .001), and 2.9% reported SI: 4.8% of those living alone and 2.1% of those not living alone (χ² = 55.60, df = 1, p < .001). In the overall sample and controlling for sociodemographic factors, living alone was associated with MDE (AOR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.51-2.14). This held true both among men (AOR = 2.30, 95%CI = 1.60-3.32) and among women (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.38-2.06). Controlling for sociodemographic factors and MDE, living alone was associated with 12-month SI (AOR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.49-2.44). This was true in men (AOR = 2.21, 95%CI = 1.46-3.34) and in women (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.24-2.29).

Cross-sectional survey preventing causal interpretation.

In the first ten years following typical retirement age, men and women living alone deserve attention from public health officials and clinicians as they, as a group, have a higher risk of MDE and SI, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions and social support strategies.