Aging, Cognition, and Depression: Unraveling the Psychological Pathways of Self-Perceptions of Aging.

BACKGROUND

Negative self-perceptions of aging (SPA) have been identified as an important risk factor for depression among older adults. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. This study examined whether cognitive function mediates the relationship between negative SPA and depression and whether socioeconomic status (SES) moderates this pathway.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 2583 Chinese older adults (Mage = 81.45 years, SD = 9.14) who participated in the 2011, 2014, and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Longitudinal mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships among negative SPA, cognitive function, SES, and depression.

RESULTS

Negative SPA was significantly associated with higher levels of depression over time. Cognitive function partially mediated the association between negative SPA and depression, suggesting that cognitive decline explains part of the effect of negative aging perceptions on depressive symptoms. SES was not found to significantly moderate this relationship.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive decline represents an important pathway through which negative self-perceptions of aging contribute to depression in later life. Interventions aimed at improving cognitive function and promoting more positive perceptions of aging may help reduce depressive symptoms among older adults.