Active Engagement in Social Groups as a Predictor for Mental and Physical Health Among Taiwanese Older Adults: A 4-year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Objectives: The present research evaluated the long-term effects of late-life social participation on health conditions during 1–4 years among older adults in Taiwan. Methods: Included in this study were adults older than 65 years who were interviewed in the 1999 fourth-wave Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA), re-interviewed 1 year later in the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study, and interviewed 4 years later in the fifth-wave TLSA. Results: Participation in social groups demonstrated a positive effect on decreasing the risk of developing depressive symptoms in older Taiwanese females 4 years later, regardless of the influences of demographic characteristics and previous health conditions. Conclusion: Social participation emerged to benefit later mental health among active older female adults. Active participation in social groups should therefore be strongly recommended for maintaining health in old age.

Keywords

• depressive symptoms
• late-life social participation
• older adults