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

Abstract

Objective Social interaction is a key dimension of healthy aging and is thought to be related to activity levels, psychological well-being, and quality of life. However, evidence on the factors that remain independently associated with social interaction in community-dwelling older adults is still limited. This study aimed to identify the independent determinants of social interaction, including physical activity, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, and demographic characteristics, among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over. Material and Method In this cross-sectional study, 292 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) were assessed. Social interaction was measured using the Index of Social Interaction (ISI). Physical activity, health-related quality of life, and depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), the SF-12 Health Survey, and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Associations were examined using Pearson’s correlations, and independent correlates of ISI were explored with multiple linear regression. Results Poorer social interaction (higher ISI scores) was associated with greater depressive symptoms, lower physical activity, and worse physical health-related quality of life (all p<0.05). In the adjusted model (R²=0.35), depressive symptoms showed the largest independent association with poorer social interaction (β=0.38, p<0.001). Lower physical activity, poorer physical quality of life, older age, and female sex were also independently related to higher ISI scores. Conclusion Social interaction in later life appears to reflect a combination of psychological, physical, and demographic influences. Addressing depressive symptoms and supporting physical functioning may be essential strategies for promoting social engagement and successful aging in later life.

Keywords

• Social interaction
• Older adults
• Physical activity
• Quality of life
• Depression

Supporting Institution

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-forprofit sectors.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval was obtained from the Bingöl University Health Sciences Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (Approval No. 24/4; Date: 06 March 2024). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

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