Functioning, Well‐Being, and Health Perception in Late Middle‐Aged and Older People: Comparing the Effects of Depressive Symptoms and Chronic Medical Conditions

Abstract

The unique contribution of depressive symptoms in dysfunction, poor health perception, and well-being typically exceeds that of medical conditions because depressive symptoms combine a moderately large unique risk with a rather high prevalence. Results expand the MOS and WHO findings to the community-dwelling late middle-aged and older population and to additional outcomes as well. Results underscore the importance of detection and management of (comorbid) symptoms of depression in older people.