Determinants of Social Interaction in Older Adults: The Roles of Physical Activity, Depression, and Health-Related Quality of Life

ObjectiveSocial interaction is a key dimension of healthy agingand is thought to be related to activity levels, psychologicalwell-being, and quality of life. However, evidenceon the factors that remain independently associatedwith social interaction in community-dwellingolder adults is still limited. This study aimed to identifythe independent determinants of social interaction,including physical activity, depressive symptoms,health-related quality of life, and demographic characteristics,among community-dwelling older adults aged65 years and over.Material and MethodIn this cross-sectional study, 292 community-dwellingolder adults (≥65 years) were assessed. Social interactionwas measured using the Index of Social Interaction(ISI). Physical activity, health-related quality oflife, and depressive symptoms were evaluated withthe Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), theSF-12 Health Survey, and the Beck Depression Inventory,respectively. Associations were examined usingPearson’s correlations, and independent correlates ofISI were explored with multiple linear regression.ResultsPoorer social interaction (higher ISI scores) was associatedwith greater depressive symptoms, lowerphysical activity, and worse physical health-relatedquality of life (all p