The effects of living arrangements on dietary diversity and depression among Chinese older adults

Background: There is growing evidence that addressing the health problems associated with population aging is imminent. We aimed to explore the effects of living arrangements on dietary diversity and mental health from an older Chinese population and to examine the mediating role of dietary diversity to provide a theoretical basis for how to better promote healthy aging. Methods Using data from the seventh Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and including relevant basic demographic characteristics variables as control variables, this study used logistic regression to investigate the relationship between living arrangements of older adults on dietary diversity, depression and anxiety, and used the PROCESS procedure to test for mediating effects. Results Older adults living with their families and those living in nursing homes had higher dietary diversity scores compared to those living alone. Older adults living in nursing homes were more likely to acquire depression than those living alone, and those living with family members were at lower risk of depression. There was no significant effect of living arrangement of older adults on anxiety. The mediating effect of dietary diversity between living arrangement and depression was significant. Conclusion Living arrangements directly affect older people's dietary diversity and depression, and dietary diversity mediates the relationship between living arrangements and depression. Our findings can contribute to current theory and knowledge and provide insights into social policy, elderly services, and social work interventions for the older adults in China.