The Relationship Between Work and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: The Moderating Effect of Income, Subjective Socioeconomic Status, and Social Participation.

Objectives: We examined the moderating effects of household income, subjective socioeconomic status (SES), social contact, and social engagement on the work-depressive symptoms relationship.

Methods: We analyzed data from 5,216 adults aged 60 and older from six waves (2008-2018) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA).

Results: Two-level mixed-effects models showed that within-individual variation in work status was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The relationship between work and depressive symptoms was stronger for older adults with low household income than for those with the average household income and was not significant for those with high household income. Moreover, the work-depressive symptoms relationship was stronger among older adults with low levels of subjective SES and social engagement and fewer social contacts compared with those with average or high levels of subjective SES and social engagement and more social contacts.

Conclusions: The greater impact of work on depressive symptoms in older adults with limited financial and social resources highlights the importance of addressing these deficits to improve mental health.

Clinical implications: Clinicians should consider that the effect of work on depression varies depending on income, subjective SES, and social participation. Addressing financial hardship and promoting social participation are important for preventing depression in older adults.