Religious attendance and depressive symptoms in later life: the mediating role of church-based social ties.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the relationship between religious attendance and depressive symptoms among older adults in the United States, focusing on the potential mediating role of church-based social ties.

METHOD: Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2010-2018) were analyzed, including 10,467 respondents over age 50 at baseline. Associations between religious attendance (2010), church-based social ties (2012), and depressive symptoms (2014-2018) were assessed using a series of regression models. Mediation analysis was conducted using generalized structural equation models with bootstrapped confidence intervals.

RESULTS: More frequent religious attendance in 2010 predicted fewer depressive symptoms in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Church-based friendship, but not church-based relatives, significantly mediated these associations.

CONCLUSION: Religious attendance may protect against later-life depressive symptoms by fostering church-based friendships. Faith-based organizations might consider promoting such connections to support older adults' mental health.