The symptoms of depression among the two groups were compared one year after the intervention and again one year later. The results indicated that the elders who were educated about their illnesses had fewer symptoms of depression than those who received no education. Implications for preventing depression in elders are discussed. The relationship between chronic illness and depression has been established. Finally, a meta-analysis related to emotional disorder and chronic physical illness point to physical illness as a significant precipitating factor in the onset of depressive symptoms.
Many possible reasons exist for the relationship between arthritis and depression.
Another reason is that arthritis may limit mobility and decreases the independence of elders. A related reason may be that arthritis leads to less satisfaction with life.