China has entered deep aging in 2021 and the effects of chronic diseases on depressive tendencies and the moderating role of social relationships among rural middle-aged and elderly people in low-income areas have not been widely studied. Based on face-to-face questionnaire data from 405 rural middle-aged and elderly people in rural China, we empirically analyzed the effects of chronic diseases on depressive tendencies using least squares (OLS) linear regression to clarify the moderating effects of social relationships. Chronic disease are strongly associated with depressive tendencies. Arthritis or rheumatism, stomach or digestive disorders, eye diseases, heart disease, and chronic lung disease had a significant negative effect on depressive tendencies and were independent risk factors for depression. Diabetes and dyslipidemia did not have a significant effect on depressive tendencies. Different social relations have different effects on the association between depressive tendencies and chronic disease. The high incidence of chronic diseases and depression in rural areas is a serious situation that cannot be ignored. Improving the quality of relationships among family members of the elderly is at the core of rebuilding the social relationships of middle-aged and elderly people. The psychological effects of grandparenting exchange for this group should be emphasized.

Authors:
Liuchun Xiang, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan
Haisong Nie, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Miss Liuchun Xiang is currently a doctoral candidate, at the Department of Science on Agricultural Ecomomy and Symbiotic Society, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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