The relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms among older gay men: the moderating role of sense of belonging with gay friends.

BACKGROUND

Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older adults, although it is unclear if it is a risk factor for older gay men. A sense of belonging to the gay community is protective and might compensate for living alone. This research investigated whether a sense of belonging with gay friends weakened the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms among older gay men.

METHODS

A community sample of 160 Australian gay men aged 65-92 years completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and two visual analogue scales assessing a sense of belonging with gay friends.

RESULTS

Results supported the moderation model, with increasing levels of belonging with gay friends weakening the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Results imply that enhancing a sense of belonging with gay friends among older gay men who live alone is likely to be a protective factor in relation to depressive symptoms.