Logistic Regression Analysis on the Correlation between Physical Diseases and Life Events and Depression in the Elderly

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the effects of physical diseases and life events on depression among urban elderly people.[Methods]Five hundred urban elderly people in Shiyan City were selected using a convenient sampling method to investigate and diagnose depression using the Geriatric Mental State Schedule and its accompanying computer diagnostic system.The Minimum Data Set(MDS)and related factor survey form were used to investigate physical diseases and life events,and statistical analysis was conducted using methods such as logistic regression analysis and factor analysis.[Results]The prevalence rates of angina,stroke,or partial paralysis,migraine,vision problems,hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism,as well as the number of physical diseases were significantly higher in elderly depression patients than in objects free of depression.Stroke or partial paralysis[OR(95%CI)=6.389(1.684,24.237)],emotional trauma events[OR(95%CI)=1.438(1.069,1.934)]and adverse health and economic events[OR(95%CI)=1.652(1.099,2.483)]were risk factors for late life depression(LLD).[Conclusions]Some physical diseases and life events may affect the onset process of depression in urban elderly people,and various measures need to be taken to reduce the risk of physical diseases and life events on depression.

The empty nests of elderly only-child parents in urban China-an analysis based on survey data from five provinces

This paper studies the status of empty nest only-child families in urban China,using data about these families taken from a 2015 survey conducted by the Institute of Population and Labor Economics,Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.Factors that determine the timing of empty nest periods and their duration for only-child parents are also analyzed.The data shows that more than half of the only-child parents surveyed in 2015 lived in empty nests.Some of these parents had been empty-nesters for as many as 25 years.During the life cycle of families,the empty nest status of elderly only-child parents shows different characteristics at different stages,as the only-children begin attending universities,start to work,get married,and have children of their own.There are empty nest periods in only-child families when the only-child leaves the parents for several years and periods when the child returns home and lives with parents for years.The living arrangements of only-child parents depend mainly on changes in the life needs of their only-children.Intergenerational support is focused on meeting the needs of only-children.

An overview report on the situation of elderly people in urban and rural China:2000-2015

China had become a country with an aging population by the end of the 20th century.Dealing with the aging of its population is a long-term strategic task for China.“The National Survey on Elderly People in Urban and Rural China”has been carried out four times since the year 2000.The data shows that during the years 2000 to 2015 the wellbeing of elderly people in urban and rural China improved greatly.The economic status of the elderly has obviously improved;and there have also been steady improvements to social security protections,health care services and the availability of social activities in which the elderly can participate.In addition,the spiritual and cultural life of the elderly has become richer and more colorful.The aging of society creates challenges,such as potential shortages of labor resources,the weakening of family functions and the need for more medical care facilities and services,and these intensify over time.At the same time,changes to the structure of demand and of industry caused by societal aging bring many opportunities.