Toronto, Canada – A new study of 3,500 Canadians aged 55 and older revealed a strong association between early childhood adversities and depression. Experiencing physical abuse in childhood was linked to a threefold increase in the likelihood of lifetime depression, while exposure to sexual abuse or parental domestic violence more than doubled the risk.
The University of Toronto research was published recently in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus.
"Our findings shine a light on how trauma in the earliest years can echo through decades, shaping patterns of mental health and well-being," says the first author, Megha Goel, a doctoral student at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) and the Institute of Life Course and Aging (ILCA).
The researchers also found that a strong sense of purpose matters: Individuals who rarely felt life had meaning were more likely to suffer from depression.
"This research reinforces what many people intuitively know—when we feel disconnected from purpose, our mental health suffers," said Goel. "And the good news is, meaning is something we can build and nurture."
Physical health was another important correlate of lifetime depression. People with three or more chronic physical health conditions had 5 times the prevalence of lifetime depression compared to their peers without any chronic conditions.
"The mind and body are deeply connected—especially as we age. These findings make the case for more holistic healthcare for older populations," says senior author Esme Fuller-Thomson, Director of University of Toronto's ILCA and a professor in the FIFSW and the Department of Family & Community Medicine.
The study's findings also indicated that middle-aged adults 55 to 64 years-old were twice as likely to have experienced depression at some point in their life compared to Canadians aged 65 and older (12.8% vs 6.1%). This was surprising, as the older group had a longer lifespan during which depression could have developed.
Consistent with previous studies, women had much higher prevalence of lifetime depression than their male peers (11.6% vs 6.6%).
The finding that one in 11 older adults has a lifetime history of depression underlines the importance of ensuring that individuals experiencing depression at any age receive timely and effective interventions. Although the study was not designed to evaluate the effectiveness of any intervention to address depression, "many previous studies indicate that a particularly promising intervention for depression is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)," said Dr. Fuller-Thomson.
As was outlined in the article, CBT is a talk-based, goal-oriented therapy typically delivered over 8-12 one-hour weekly sessions. It aims to reduce depressive symptoms through a collaborative, problem-solving approach, helping individuals identify, challenge, and restructure maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. "CBT has demonstrated efficacy across age groups, equipping individuals with practical skills that extend beyond therapy and fostering lifelong coping strategies. Digital delivery of CBT via the internet or telephone can help reach underserved older communities by reducing transportation barriers and addressing mobility limitations and reducing costs," highlighted Fuller-Thomson.
The study was based on a nationally representative sample of Canadians aged 55 and older who participated in the 2022 Canadian Mental Health Access to Care Survey.
"Our research shows that the roots of depression in later life are complex and deeply interconnected," says Goel. "Early life experiences, ongoing physical health challenges, and even whether someone feels a sense of meaning in their day-to-day life all play a role. These findings underscore the importance of a holistic, lifelong approach to mental health."
