The association between widowhood duration and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: mediation role of sleeping duration and dietary diversity.

Abstract

Widowhood represents a major life transition that can profoundly impact the mental health of older adults. However, limited research has explored how the duration of widowhood relates to depressive symptoms. This study examines the mediating roles of sleep duration and dietary diversity in the association between widowhood duration and depressive symptoms. Data were drawn from 2008 adults aged 65 and older participating in the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Linear regression-based mediation analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized pathways. Results revealed a significant positive association between widowhood duration and depressive symptoms. Specifically, among individuals widowed for more than 10 years, both sleep duration and dietary diversity served as mediators-albeit in gender-specific ways. Dietary diversity mediated the association in men, whereas sleep duration exhibited a suppression effect in women. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to support the psychological well-being of widowed older adults. Family and community-based caregivers should prioritize improving dietary quality among long-term widowed men and enhancing sleep health among widowed women. Gender-sensitive strategies may be critical in mitigating the long-term psychological consequences of widowhood in later life.