Meaning in Life, Happiness, and Well-Being as Protective Factors Against Depression in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study examined the associations between existential meaning, subjective happiness, psychological well-being, and depressive symptoms in 181 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) living in rural Greece. Using validated self-report measures, hierarchical multiple regression identified psychological and sociodemographic predictors of depressive symptoms. Results indicated that psychological well-being, the presence of existential meaning, and subjective happiness were significantly and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Well-being and presence of existential meaning emerged as the strongest independent predictors, while the search for meaning was not significant. Social support from children was associated with lower depressive symptoms, whereas living alone and receiving care from paid caregivers predicted higher levels. Additionally, advanced age and low income were identified as risk factors. These findings suggest that positive psychological resources, particularly well-being and existential meaning, serve as protective factors against depressive symptoms in later life.