Depression and subjective well-being in older adults living in low-density areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of social participation and social support

Introduction: Participation in social activities contributes to enhanced wellbeing, reduced rates of comorbidities, and diminished feelings of depression among older adults. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered social interaction in many ways, and its impacts on the well-being and mental health of older adults, particularly those living in more isolated regions, are still poorly understood. This cross-sectional study intends to investigate the relationship between social participation, social support, subjective well-being, and depression among older adults residing in a region with low population density, as well as to explore the role of social support mediating the relation between social participation and subjective well-being and depression, in the context of restrictions imposed during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 324 older adults (M = 75.11; SD = 6.89), living in the Alentejo region (Portugal), randomly selected, answered a questionnaire which included measures about the perception of social participation and social support during the most critical periods of COVID-19 pandemic, subjective well-being, depression, and sociodemographic and general health data. Results: Correlation analysis showed that older adults’ social participation during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher social support, higher subjective well-being, and lower levels of depressive symptoms. The mediation analysis showed that social support fully mediates the relationship between social participation and subjective well-being, and between social participation and depression. Discussion: The COVID-19 context may have constrained the expected direct benefits of social participation (e.g., due to social distancing or digital barriers) on well-being and mental health, making social support the primary pathway. The study highlights the importance of making older adults’ social participation relevant and meaningful, reinforcing the role it can play in identifying people who are more vulnerable to depression and strengthening social support networks, with the aim of supporting older people who are more isolated.