Age-specific associations between intergenerational support from children and depression in middle-aged and elderly Chinese: results from the China health and retirement longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the age-specific associations between intergenerational support from children and depression in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

METHODS

In total, 11,398 adults aged ≥45 who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 were included. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of offline companionship, online companionship, money support, and goods support from children on the depression status of middle-aged and elderly people.

RESULTS

Among people aged 80 and above, offline companionship is associated with a reduced risk of depression (OR = 0.573, 95% CI: 0.372, 0.883). However, online companionship may be associated with an increased risk of depression in individuals aged 45-60. Money support was found to have a positive association with depression in individuals aged 45-60 (OR = 1.182, 95% CI: 1.005, 1.389), but a negative association in those aged 60-80 (OR = 0.767, 95% CI: 0.632, 0.930). Goods support is associated with a decreased risk of depression in individuals aged 45-80.

CONCLUSION

For individuals aged 45-60, children can offer valuable goods support to mitigate parental depression. In the 60-80 age group, both money and goods support are essential. For those over 80, increased offline companionship is recommended.