LAUSR

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the effects of changes in smoking behaviour on the presence of depression in participants aged 65 years and over. METHODS Data from the 1st to 6th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were used in this study. The participants comprised 374 older adults aged 65 years and over, who had smoked in the past. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the effects of smoking behaviour change on the presence of depression. RESULTS Changes in smoking behaviour were categorised into three groups: (1) dramatically reduced (66.8%), (2) slightly reduced (19.8%), and (3) increased (13.4%). Those participants who showed significantly reduced smoking were more likely to have depression than those who increased smoking. CONCLUSION It is necessary to develop practical protocols and educational programs aimed at preventing and managing depression in older adults aged 65 years and above.