Presence of depression and its relationship with other variables in retired Portuguese performers

Depression is a common and serious condition among older adults, often associated with functional decline, reduced quality of life, and increased health care needs. In retired populations, particularly those living in institutional settings, psychological well-being may be influenced by physical factors such as sarcopenia, frailty, and nutritional status. Retired performers represent a specific group that may face unique challenges related to ageing, physical decline, and loss of professional identity. However, evidence regarding the presence of depressive symptoms and their relationship with physical and health-related variables in retired Portuguese performers is scarce. This study aimed to analyze the presence of a depressive condition in Portuguese retired performers residents.

Methods: The nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The risk of sarcopenia was evaluated with SARC-F, while frailty was determined using the Fried Frailty Criteria. The presence of depressive symptoms was measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and health-related quality of life was assessed using the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test the normality of the variables. Differences between sexes were assessed through t-tests. To explore possible relations between depression and other variables, Pearson correlations were performed.

Results: Seventy-four participants were included (68% females, BMI=24.6±4.4 kg/m²). From those, 66% showed a high risk for sarcopenia (SARC-F score >4) and 68% were considered fragile according to the FRIED classification. Around 20% reported a score ≥9 points for the GDS-15 test, suggesting moderate to severe depression, while almost 30% showed mild symptoms. Elderly women reported a poor perception of their health, with lower scores for EQ-5D-VAS when compared to men (61.21 ± 22.42 vs. 75.53 ± 16.91, p=0.015). Individuals at risk of sarcopenia had lower EQ-5D-VAS scores compared to those without sarcopenia (59.2±22.3 vs. 75.4±17.2, p=0.003). A positive correlation was observed between GDS-15 and SARC-F scores (R=0.363, p=0.003), suggesting a link between depressive symptoms and sarcopenia. A negative correlation was found between the GDS15 score and the EQ5D-EVA, indicating that higher depressive symptoms were associated with a worse perception of global health (r=-0.514, p<0.001).

Discussion: This study revealed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms. These findings reinforce depression as a relevant mental health concern in older adults and highlight its impact on perceived health status. The negative association between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life indicates that higher levels of depression are linked to poorer self-perceived global health. Additionally, the positive correlation between depressive symptoms and risk of sarcopenia suggests a close interaction between physical decline and mental health. Individuals at higher risk of sarcopenia reported lower quality of life, supporting the hypothesis that physical vulnerability may contribute to depressive symptomatology in ageing populations. Sex differences were observed, with women reporting worse health perception than men, in line with previous literature showing greater susceptibility to physical and psychological burden among elderly women. These results underline the importance of integrated screening strategies that address both mental health and physical conditions such as sarcopenia and frailty. Early identification of depressive symptoms and physical vulnerability may support the development of targeted multidisciplinary interventions aimed at improving quality of life and promoting healthy ageing in retired performers.

Susana Ganhão-Arranhado is a Clinical, recognized by the Portuguese Order of Nutritionists. She graduated in Nutrition Sciences in 2009. In 2012, she completed her Master degree in Palliative Care at the Faculty of Medicine of Porto and holds a PhD in Gerontology and Geriatrics, specializing in Geriatrics, by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto. She is a professor and a certified trainer (CAP nº EDF 535604/2010 DL). Her clinical work focuses on Clinical Nutrition, particularly in geriatrics, oncology, artificial nutritional therapy, malnutrition, wound care, continuous and palliative care, and cerebral palsy. Currently she coordinates the degree in Nutrition Sciences in Instituto Universitário Atlântica. She is also a member of the Scientific and Pedagogical Councils. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in various national and international Scientific Congresses and Meetings, contributing with full papers and abstracts published in specialized journals. In addition to her clinical and academic work, Susana Ganhão-Arranhado serves as an External Expert for COST Action and is a member of the General Council of the Order of Nutritionists. She is also actively involved in the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) as a member of the SIG-Gero Oncology, SIG-Sarcopenia and SIG-Nutrition groups. Additionally, she is a member of the Geriatric Oncology Working Group of the Portuguese Society of Oncology (GTOG/SPO). Her expertise extends to postgraduate education, having held positions in Postgraduate Certificates in Clinical Nutrition and Care of the Older Person at the University of Buckingham. She is also an Expert for the European Commission (EX2025D1207198) and serves as a scientific reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals, including Clinical Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, and Spring Nature.