Gender Differences In The Effects of Marital Status And Physical Activity On Depression Among The South Korean Elderly

Background: Depression in the elderly has recently drawn considerable attention as a public health issue because of its significant impact on the physical and social relationship of these individuals. We examined the association of physical activity and marital status with depression in the elderly and the related gender differences. Methods: : This study used the data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) of 2014, 2016, and 2018. The participants were 4,134 elderly individuals aged 65 years or older. The association of physical activity and marital status with depression was analyzed using logistic regression. Results: : Out of 4,134 elderly participants, 318 had depression. Those not living with their spouse had higher prevalence of depression than those living with their spouse (women: odds ratio [OR] = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.01-1.82; men: OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.05-3.39). Moreover, spouseless elderly who engaged in physical activity was associated with depression (OR = 1.65, 95% CI= 1.04-2.62). In the case of elderly men, the risk of depression was 2.7 times higher for those who lived alone without a spouse and engaged physical activity. Conclusions: : There was a gender difference in the association between marital status and depression, elderly men without spouses having higher risk of depression. Policymakers need to devise health programs and policies to encourage older men to engage in social activities after retirement.