Older adults in China who have trouble with everyday tasks like handling money or taking their medicine are more likely to feel depressed, even when you account for other factors like where they live or their personal health.

Older adults in China who have trouble with basic self-care tasks like bathing or dressing are nearly twice as likely to feel depressed compared to those who can do these tasks on their own.

Feeling more down or depressed over time might make it harder for older adults in China to handle daily tasks like shopping or managing money — and struggling with those tasks might also make their mood worse, in a cycle that builds over the years.

Older adults in both rural and urban China who have trouble with everyday tasks like dressing or managing bills are more likely to have depression, and this link is stronger in cities.

Feeling more down or depressed over time might make it harder for older adults in China to do everyday tasks like dressing or bathing — and having more trouble with those tasks might also make depression worse. It's a two-way link that sticks even when you account for age, health problems, and income.

When older adults are better at managing everyday tasks like cooking or shopping, they tend to feel less depressed.