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The Future of Mental Health in Older Adults
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Quoted Passage
“As a middle-income country, China is experiencing a significant demographic shift characterized by a population aging. This shift has heightened the risk of depression among its older citizens, particularly in rural areas. Extensive studies consistently underscore a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in China, with rural older adults being particularly vulnerable. For instance, a nationwide study disclosed a substantial 30.72% prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults in 2018, notably higher in rural areas (34.02% vs. 21.50%). In rural communities, the growing of ’empty nesters’—a term referring to older adults living either alone or only with a spouse, without the companionship of children or other family members—raises additional concerns”
Paraphrase
The increase in China’s older population is leading to more depression among elderly people in rural areas (Gao et al., 2024, p. 2). Studies have shown that depression is very common among older people in China, especially those living in rural areas. In a national study from 2018, it was found that depression was more common among rural seniors, as 34.02% of them had symptoms compared to 21.50% in urban areas (Gao et al., 2024, p. 2). Many older adults end up living by themselves because their children have moved out, which is called empty nesting. Most elderly people live either on their own or with their spouse, and the number of seniors is increasing each year.
Short Quotation with Explanation
Gao et al. (2024) state that “Living arrangements, as a critical structural element of social support, influence the mental health of older adults and may contribute to depression” (p. 2). It shows that how older adults live, either by themselves or with others, is an important part of their social support, and it can greatly affect their mental well-being and sometimes cause depression.
References
Chong, T. W., Curran, E., Ames, D., Lautenschlager, N. T., & Castle, D. J. (2020). Mental health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from history to guide our future.
International Psychogeriatrics, 32(10), 1249-1250.
Gao, Q., Lei, C., Wei, X., Peng, L., Wang, X., Yue, A., & Shi, Y. (2024). Exploring the interplay of living arrangements, social support, and depression among older adults in rural northwest China.
BMC Public Health, 24(1), 3297.
Mandy, H. M., Cao, Y., Fung, S. S., Kwan, G. S., Zita, C. K., & Shum, D. H. (2025). Intolerance of uncertainty, aging, and anxiety and mental health concerns: A scoping review and meta-analysis
. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 102975.
Nutakor, J. A., Zhou, L., Larnyo, E., Addai-Dansoh, S., & Cui, Y. (2024). Impact of health information seeking behavior and digital health literacy on self-perceived health and depression symptoms among older adults in the United States.
Scientific Reports, 14(1), 31080.
Pincus, H. A., Pike, K. M., & Spaeth-Rublee, B. (2021). Training Future Leaders to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Older Adults—The Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program
. Generations, 44(4), 1-6.
