Which is a risk factor for depression in older adults?

Which is a risk factor for depression in older adults?

• A. Living alone
• B. Regular exercise
• C. High income
• D. Married status

Answer: (A)

Social isolation is a major risk factor for depression in older adults. Living alone often means fewer daily social interactions, greater loneliness, and less encouragement to seek help or engage in activities that lift mood. These factors can contribute to depressive symptoms and make recovery more difficult. In this context, regular exercise and social support tied to being married or having a higher income tend to protect against depression by improving mood, motivation, and access to resources. So living alone stands out as a risk factor because it directly increases social isolation, which strongly influences late-life depression.

Social isolation is a major risk factor for depression in older adults. Living alone often means fewer daily social interactions, greater loneliness, and less encouragement to seek help or engage in activities that lift mood. These factors can contribute to depressive symptoms and make recovery more difficult. In this context, regular exercise and social support tied to being married or having a higher income tend to protect against depression by improving mood, motivation, and access to resources. So living alone stands out as a risk factor because it directly increases social isolation, which strongly influences late-life depression.