Social Rhythms, Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life: An Unbreakable Bond in an Older Adult Sample.

<h4>Background</h4>Disruptions in social and circadian rhythms are increasingly recognized as key contributors to depressive symptomatology and impaired quality of life, particularly in older adults, for whom daily regularity represents a crucial determinant of psychological and functional stability. Understanding the interplay between rhythm dysregulation, mood disturbances, and perceived well-being may inform preventive strategies in aging populations.<h4>Objective</h4>This study aimed to examine the association between social rhythm dysregulation, depressive symptoms, and perceived quality of life in a sample of community-dwelling older adults.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 119 older adults (mean age 72.26 ± 4.72 years) enrolled in an active aging program. Social rhythms were assessed using the Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS), depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and health-related quality of life with the SF-12 Health Survey. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were applied.<h4>Results</h4>Greater social rhythm dysregulation was significantly associated with higher depressive symptom levels (r = 0.41, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and lower perceived quality of life (r = -0.39, <i>p</i> < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, both rhythm dysregulation (β = -0.1863, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (β = -0.2885, <i>p</i> = 0.037) independently predicted poorer quality of life.<h4>Conclusions</h4>In community-dwelling older adults, irregular social rhythms and depressive symptoms are independently and jointly associated with reduced quality of life. These findings highlight social rhythm regulation as a relevant and potentially modifiable target for preventive and supportive interventions aimed at promoting mental well-being and resilience in later life.