Multidimensional Determinants of Geriatric Depression: An Empirical Analysis on Older Adults in Türkiye

Objective: With the growing elderly population in Turkey, geriatric depression (GD) has emerged as a critical public health issue. This study aims to explore the determinants of GD by examining socio-demographic, psychosocial, and technological variables.Methods: Utilizing the 2023 Turkey Elderly Profile dataset compiled by the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the study analyzes data from 29,785 individuals aged 50 and above. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess depression risk, using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) as the primary measure. Analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics software and stratified by age groups.Results: The analysis revealed that unhappiness, future anxiety, technology use, loneliness, female gender, low educational level, unmarried status, low income, and advanced age significantly increased the likelihood of GD. These factors had varying degrees of influence across age groups, with their impact becoming more pronounced in older individuals. In particular, psychological and digital vulnerabilities intensified with age, leading to a rise in depression risk. Technology use, while generally considered beneficial, was associated with increased depression risk in the oldest age group, possibly due to low digital literacy and compulsory use.Conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity of developing comprehensive, age-sensitive mental health strategies in Turkey. Policies should promote digital inclusion, strengthen social support networks, and enhance psychological resilience among older adults. A holistic approach involving health, social, and economic reforms is recommended to address the multifactorial nature of geriatric depression.