Household indebtedness and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: The moderating role of social network and anticipated support

Background: Examine the association of household financial indebtedness with depressive symptoms in old age, and investigate whether social network and support anticipation moderate the association. Methods: Data were obtained from Sample Survey on Vulnerable Populations from Poor Families in Urban/Rural China (2018), with a sample of 5 934 older adults included. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales was applied to measure depressive symptoms. Household indebtedness was measured in several ways, including whether the household was indebted, the amount of debts, and types of debts. We used the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale to measure individual's social network. Socio-demographic, socioeconomic status and physical health variables were included as covariates. Results: Household indebtedness, in form of being indebted and increased amount of debts, was associated with greater depressive symptoms in the Chinese elderly. The association of indebtedness and depressive symptoms may be driven by consumption and emergency debts. The moderating roles of social network and anticipation of support in the association of household indebtedness and depressive symptoms were found. Among those with household debts, older adults with larger size of social network and/or higher anticipation of being supported in the future reported with less symptoms of depressed. Limitations: Due to a lack of information on the duration and debtor of household debt, we were not able to present a precise estimate for the exact impact of household indebtedness on mental health of elderly. Conclusion: Familial financial strain was associated with aging mental well-being, increased social networks and social protections benefit aging health.