Factors associated with depression and depressive symptoms in the elderly: an integrative literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2025.14600Keywords:
Elderly, Depression, Risk Factors, Epidemiological Studies, Comprehensive Health CareAbstract
Objective: To synthesize scientific knowledge about risk factors associated with depressive symptoms and depression in the elderly. Method: Integrative review carried out in the PubMed®, Medline®, SciELO, and Lilacs databases, using the descriptors “aged” AND “depression” AND “risk factors” in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, during the period covered by the Master's in Organizational Management from 2015 to 2019. The articles that met the inclusion criteria were epidemiological in nature, original, complete texts, and addressed the elderly triad, depression, and its risk factors. Results: It was found that the risk factors for developing depressive symptoms were: having more than nine years of education; female gender; history of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, alcohol and tobacco consumption; advanced age; poor quality of life and difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living. Zinc deficiency has been linked to depressive symptoms in women, poorer social support, and reduced social contact after cardiac and/or neurological events. The prevalence of depression in the elderly ranged from 8.3% to 41.9%. Conclusion: These findings support and alert professionals who work with this population, enabling them to plan care services that address the physical, social, and psychological needs of elderly individuals. Community centers, development of programs with physical activities, leisure activities, and social and family support, which minimize isolation and loneliness, are examples of actions that can prevent the development and worsening of symptoms and depressive conditions.
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