Gender, social ties and diabetes in aging Canadians: A longitudinal study of diabetes-related depression and the mediation of nutrition factors

Project Summary

Diabetes and depression are major health challenges affecting millions of Canadians, especially older adults. Women often face greater risks due to life events such as widowhood, living alone, and fewer social connections in later life. Changing social ties may differentially affect mental health outcomes of older adults with diabetes, yet no diabetes research exists on whether changes in social ties affect the risk of depression especially from a gender lens. Nutrition-related behaviours are potential mediators of this link but have not been studied. This project will examine whether changes in social ties affect the mental health of older Canadian women and men with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and will also assess mediation by dietary factors. By understanding more social-level causes, this study can help identify ways to support older adults with diabetes, particularly women, in reducing the risk of depression and promoting healthier aging.