Primary Submission Category: Aging
The Impact of Early Disability Onset on Depression Among Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Social Isolation
Authors: Jaein Kim,
Presenting Author: Jaein Kim*
Depression is a major public health concern among older adults, often exacerbated by functional limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). While previous research has established the link between physical disability and depression, the timing of disability onset and its role in shaping mental health outcomes remain underexplored. This study investigates the association between early disability onset and depression, with a specific focus on the mediating role of social isolation. Using nationally representative data from the 2010–2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this study employs multilevel modeling to assess the effects of disability onset on depressive symptoms while accounting for social isolation. The findings indicate that individuals who experience disability onset before age 75 report significantly higher levels of social isolation compared to those with later-onset disabilities or no disability. Furthermore, early disability onset is associated with increased odds of depression. When social isolation is incorporated into the models, it partially mediates the relationship between early disability onset and depression, suggesting that social disconnection plays a crucial role in the mental health trajectories of disabled older adults. These results underscore the importance of addressing social isolation as a key intervention target to mitigate depression in this population. Future research will explore potential gender disparities in this process, given prior findings that women with disabilities are at greater risk of depression due to lower levels of instrumental support from partners. This study contributes to a growing body of literature that reframes depression among older adults not only as an individual psychological issue but as a socially driven phenomenon, necessitating policy and community-based efforts to enhance social connectivity among those experiencing early-onset disabilities.