The effect of depressive symptoms on quality of life and its different facets in the oldest age population: evidence from the AgeQualiDe prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to investigate the prospective effect of depressive symptoms on overall QoL in the oldest age group, taking into account its different facets. METHODS: Data were derived from the multicenter prospective AgeCoDe/AgeQualiDe cohort study, including data from follow-up 7-9 and n = 580 individuals 85 years of age and older. Overall QoL and its facets were assessed using the WHOQOL-OLD instrument. The short form of the geriatric depression scale (GDS-15) was applied to assess depressive symptoms. Cognitively impaired individuals were excluded. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the effect of depressive symptoms on QoL. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with overall QoL and each of the different facets of WHOQOL-OLD, also after adjustment for time and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, gender, education, marital status, living situation, and cognitive status. Higher age and single as well as divorced marital status were also associated with a lower QoL. CONCLUSION: This work provides comprehensive longitudinal results on the relationship between depressive symptoms and QoL in the oldest age population. The results underscore the relevance of tailored and targeted care planning and the development of customized interventions.

Unmet health care needs in old age and their association with depression - results of a population-representative survey.

BACKGROUND: Due to the demographic changes, unmet health care needs are expected to increase in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of met and unmet needs and their association with depression in old age. METHODS: Based on a population-representative telephone survey of the elderly population aged 75 + years and older, a sample of 845 individuals was assessed via structured clinical interviews. Data on unmet needs were collected via the adapted German version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE). Descriptive and interferential statistical analyses were run. RESULTS: Most frequently, unmet needs were reported in the CANE sections memory, physical health and mobility. Significant differences with regard to age and gender were observed. Further, regression analyses revealed that unmet needs were significantly associated with depression. LIMITATIONS: Data on unmet needs were only assessed from the participants' perspectives. The cross-sectional design of the study does not allow drawing conclusions on causality of results. CONCLUSION: This study provides, for the first time in Germany, population-representative data on unmet health care needs in the oldest old and represents an important starting point in the field of health and social care as well as the development of tailored treatment and interventions in old age.