Mesut ERGAN, Tahir KESKİN, Zeliha BAŞKURT, Ferdi BAŞKURT
Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi - 2026;33(3):289-296
Objective: Social interaction is a key dimension of healthy aging and is thought to be related to activity levels, psychological well-being, and quality of life. However, evidence on the factors that remain independently associated with social interaction in community-dwelling older adults is still limited. This study aimed to identify the independent determinants of social interaction, including physical activity, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, and demographic characteristics, among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over. Material and Method: In this cross-sectional study, 292 community-dwelling older adults (>=65 years) were assessed. Social interaction was measured using the Index of Social Interaction (ISI). Physical activity, health-related quality of life, and depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), the SF-12 Health Survey, and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Associations were examined using Pearson's correlations, and independent correlates of ISI were explored with multiple linear regression. Results: Poorer social interaction (higher ISI scores) was associated with greater depressive symptoms, lower physical activity, and worse physical health-related quality of life (all p<0.05). In the adjusted model (R²=0.35), depressive symptoms showed the largest independent association with poorer social interaction (beta=0.38, p<0.001). Lower physical activity, poorer physical quality of life, older age, and female sex were also independently related to higher ISI scores. Conclusion: Social interaction in later life appears to reflect a combination of psychological, physical, and demographic influences. Addressing depressive symptoms and supporting physical functioning may be essential strategies for promoting social engagement and successful aging in later life.
