The gray clouds within: Depression and loneliness among the elderly population in urban Bengaluru – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Aging is a global phenomenon. Depression and loneliness among the elderly are significant mental health concerns, often overlooked and underestimated in society. Globally, depression amounts to a loss of 2% disability-adjusted life years. India is 2nd most populous in the world by elderly population, depression and loneliness are often overlooked due to various reasons. Therefore, this study aims to explore the proportion of depression and loneliness and to determine their association with loneliness and other sociodemographic factors. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 132 elders (age ≥60 years) in three wards of the urban area of Bengaluru. Geriatric Depression Scale 15 and Three-Item Loneliness Scale were used to assess depression and loneliness, respectively. The association between depression and loneliness was analyzed with other demographic variables using Chi-square and Bivariate logistic regression. Results: The magnitude of depression and loneliness among the elderly population was found to be 75.7% and 91%, respectively. Depression was significantly associated with elderly 60–69 years, females, with minimal education (illiterate), homemakers, number of family members >4, with no income, and dependent on others. Loneliness is significantly associated with the female gender, with illiterates, those who are not working and homemakers, below poverty line card holders, those with chronic diseases, and those dependent on others compared to their counterparts. There is a significant positive correlation between depression and loneliness scores among the elderly. Conclusion: The higher proportion of depression and loneliness among the elderly in our study emphasizes the necessary supportive measures. It needs to be addressed adequately through a coordinated primary care approach with community and social support.