Preparation for future care moderates the relationship between loneliness and depression among Chinese rural older adults: A cross-sectional study
Abstract Background: Loneliness and depression are common mental health concerns among older adults in rural China. Loneliness has been identified as a risk factor for depressive symptoms, while preparation for future care can be a protective factor. Little is known about the complex relationships among these factors in rural older adults. This study aimed to explore whether preparation for future care moderated the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Methods: A total of 481 rural older adults aged 60 years and above were recruited in Shandong, China. Loneliness, preparation for future care, and depressive symptoms were measured. Statistical analyses included d escriptive analysis, univariate analyses, and moderating effects analyses. Results: Our findings showed that preparation for future care and its related dimensions of gathering information, making decisions, and concrete planning can moderate the relationship between loneliness and depression. When the level of preparation for future care and its dimensions were higher, the effect of loneliness on depressive symptoms was weaker. Conclusions: As the first study on how preparation for future care moderates the relationship between loneliness and depression in rural older adults, the findings are significant. Preparation for future care should be taken into consideration when interventions are being developed to reduce depressive symptoms in older adults.