Gustavson Kristen, Lee Cheryl D
University of California, Berkeley, USA.
J Women Aging. 2004;16(3-4):3-18. doi: 10.1300/J074v16n03_02.
This study compared the psychosocial well-being and functioning of frail elderly people who live alone to those who live with others. An exploratory study was conducted with a sample of 5,265 members of a social HMO in Southern California. Those living alone were more likely to be widowed, female, and European American. Elderly people living with others reported higher levels of depression and poorer functioning. Both groups reported having a social support network, but the sources of support varied. This study contradicts older research with its finding that living alone is not synonymous with depression. Further research is recommended.
本研究比较了独居体弱老年人与与他人同住的体弱老年人的心理社会幸福感和功能状况。对南加州一个社会健康维护组织的5265名成员进行了一项探索性研究。独居者更有可能丧偶、为女性且是欧美裔。与他人同住的老年人报告的抑郁水平更高，功能状况更差。两组都报告有社会支持网络，但支持来源各不相同。本研究的结果与早期研究相反，即独居并不等同于抑郁。建议进一步开展研究。
