Title: The impact of childhood conditions and lifestyles on depression trajectories in older adults: a latent growth model approach
Abstract:：Objectives: The current study explored how childhood conditions influence the trajectory of depression in older adults, with a focus on the mediating roles of health-related and social lifestyle factors. Methods: Longitudinal data were drawn from the 2018, 2020, and 2022 waves of the China Family Panel Studies. It comprised 2, 878 older adults aged 60 or older. Latent growth modeling was used to assess the effects of childhood conditions on baseline levels and changes in depression over time, as well as the mediating roles of lifestyle. Results: Poor childhood health and lower family status were associated with higher baseline levels of depressive symptoms. Health-promoting and social lifestyle factors, particularly connectedness with children and regular physical activity, were linked to lower initial depression levels, whereas smoking was associated with a faster increase in depressive symptoms over time. In addition, connectedness with children partially mediated the association between childhood health and baseline depression. Conclusion: The findings address the long-term impact of childhood conditions on depression in later life and highlight the protective role of favorable social and health-promoting lifestyles. Suggestions for targeted policies and interventions to support the mental well-being of aging populations were discussed.
Keywords: Older adults; Depression; Childhood conditions; Lifestyles
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2026.106154
