Social Rhythms, Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life: An Unbreakable Bond in an Older Adult Sample

Disruptions in social and circadian rhythms are increasingly recognized as key contributors to depressive symptomatology and impaired quality of life, particularly in older adults, for whom daily regularity represents a crucial determinant of psychological and functional stability. Understanding the interplay between rhythm dysregulation, mood disturbances, and perceived well-being may inform preventive strategies in aging populations.

This study aimed to examine the association between social rhythm dysregulation, depressive symptoms, and perceived quality of life in a sample of community-dwelling older adults.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 119 older adults (mean age 72.26 ± 4.72 years) enrolled in an active aging program. Social rhythms were assessed using the Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS), depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and health-related quality of life with the SF-12 Health Survey. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were applied.

Greater social rhythm dysregulation was significantly associated with higher depressive symptom levels (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and lower perceived quality of life (r = -0.39, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, both rhythm dysregulation (β = -0.1863, p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (β = -0.2885, p = 0.037) independently predicted poorer quality of life.

In community-dwelling older adults, irregular social rhythms and depressive symptoms are independently and jointly associated with reduced quality of life. These findings highlight social rhythm regulation as a relevant and potentially modifiable target for preventive and supportive interventions aimed at promoting mental well-being and resilience in later life.