Abstract
Individual characteristics are identified to be associated with depression in old age; yet little is known about the influence of community characteristics on depression. Further, most research that investigates the relationships between community features and depression was conducted in western societies utilizing cross-sectional data. Guided by Pearlin’s Stress Process Model and included community features as stressors, this study examines the effects of community characteristics on depressive symptoms among older community-dwelling Chinese. Using nationally representative data from 2011 and 2013 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 6,548 older adults (60+) residing in 447 communities in 2011 and followed up in 2013 were included. Predictors (individual and community characteristics) were drawn from 2011 baseline; and outcome (CES-D) was extracted from 2013 wave. Multilevel modeling results showed that after controlling for baseline depressive symptoms, on the individual level, depressive symptoms decreased with higher levels of education, greater economic security, and better health status. On the community level, depressive symptoms decreased when physical environment (more number of days when roads were passable, closer to bus stop, and having a sewer system) and social environment (having outdoor exercising facilities, and having health center within the community) improved. This study shows the role the community may play in reducing depressive symptoms in later life. Community organizers and policy makers are encouraged to ameliorate community environment to improve mental health among older adults in China. Future research is encouraged to identify other community characteristics that may be influential to mental well-being of older Chinese.