Gender-Specific Effects of Social Participation on Depression Among Older Chinese: A Longitudinal Analysis

Social participation plays a crucial role in mental well-being, yet its effects on depression in older adults vary depending on the type of activity and social context. This study investigates the gender-specific influences of changes in social participation over time and various types of social participation on depression among older Chinese. Using two waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study data, binary logistic regression results show that continuous engagement in multiple social activities is linked to a lower risk of depression in older adults aged 60 and above, and gender differences exist in the relationship between changes in social participation diversity, type of social participation, and depression. Policies promoting sustained involvement in diverse social activities may be particularly effective in reducing depression risk among older women, while for older men, encouraging active interaction with their families and friends could be a more cost-efficient strategy for addressing depression.