Exploring the Psychological Impact: How Spatial Distribution of Offspring Influences Depression among Vietnam’s Elderly Population

Thao Vu, PhD student

Introduction: This study investigates the psychological effects of offspring’s spatial distribution on depression among elderly individuals in Vietnam. As urbanization and migration separate families, intergenerational caregiving is increasingly impacted, affecting elderly mental health. Objective: Explore how geographical dispersion of offspring influences depression among Vietnam’s elderly population. Method: Using secondary data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging and Health in Vietnam (LSAHV 2018), which includes 6,050 individuals aged 60 and above, multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess depression using the 11-item Iowa CES-D scale. Five models were developed to systematically incorporate demographic factors, self-rated health, life satisfaction, and social engagement. Findings and Recommendations: Proximity to offspring significantly reduces depression, with co-residents showing the most substantial decrease. Additional factors such as residence, gender, age, and social participation also play critical roles. The study highlights the diminishing protective effect of educational level and income when psychosocial aspects are considered, underscoring the complex interplay between physical proximity of family members and broader social determinants on elderly mental health. Results suggest that enhancing familial support structures and facilitating social engagement are crucial for mitigating depression among the elderly, pointing towards the need for targeted interventions that prioritize emotional and social support in policy formulations.

Keywords: Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations, Population Ageing, Population Policies, Population and Development

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