Bridge symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults in China: a longitudinal network comparison by living arrangements

Living arrangements shape the bridge-symptom mechanisms linking depressive and anxiety symptoms in later life. Interventions for older adults living alone should prioritize improving sleep, whereas those for older adults living with family should emphasize emotional regulation and family support. These findings provide longitudinal, network-based evidence on context-specific comorbidity mechanisms and offer empirical guidance for tailored public health and clinical interventions.