Factors Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among Elders in Senior Residences: The Importance of Feeling Valued by Others

Abstract

This study investigated (a) whether feeling valued and important is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in elders residing in senior residences and (b) whether feeling valued and important is a more important predictor of depressive symptoms than self-rated health in this population. The sample consisted of older adults (N = 47) from four senior residences in New York City. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms and a multiple regression analysis was employed for the analysis. Self-rated health, education level, and feeling valued and important were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Further, the unique contribution of feeling valued and important accounted for an equal amount of the variance in depressive symptoms as compared to the well established predictor of self-rated health. Therefore, given the importance of feeling valued and important, interventions that provide the opportunity for elders in senior residences to provide meaningful contributions to family and society should be considered.

Keywords:

• depressive symptoms
• feeling valued and important
• senior residences
• social support