Extended Abstract

Introduction

During old age, natural changes occur—such as impaired motor function, reduced physical activity, disability, diminished role performance, and the loss of relatives—all of which can contribute to locomotive syndrome in the elderly. Key factors influencing this period include illness, lifestyle, feelings of loneliness, increased reaction time, decreased posture and balance control, reduced muscle strength and motor control, diminished flexibility, sensory organ loss, and altered gait patterns.

The concept of locomotive syndrome was first introduced by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and defined as "decreased mobility of motor organs and movement disorder." Given the prevalence of this syndrome in old age and its association with factors such as age, sex, chronic disease, and pain, it is essential to identify at-risk individuals and implement preventive measures.

With advancing age, not only do physical and motor functions decline, but various physiological and psychosocial functions are also disrupted. Elderly individuals are particularly prone to depression and loneliness due to reduced social participation. Depression—a syndrome or cluster of symptoms, predominantly physical, classified as a mood disorder—is associated with feelings of loss, anger, and sadness, and it interferes with daily activities. Another consequence of aging is a decline in life expectancy, which serves as an indicator of the average lifespan in a given population.

A review of the literature revealed no studies examining the relationship between depression, loneliness, happiness, and life expectancy with geriatric locomotive syndrome, nor the effect of these factors on the syndrome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between locomotive syndrome and depression, loneliness, life expectancy, and happiness among the elderly in Isfahan, Iran.

Methods

This study employed a correlational descriptive design, and the statistical population consisted of all elderly individuals living in Isfahan city. Based on Cochran's formula, a sample of 300 men and women was selected from this population. Data were collected using a personal characteristics questionnaire (covering age, gender, marital status, economic status, income, family status, history of falling, education level, perceived health, and exercise history), the UCLA Loneliness Questionnaire (Russell, Peplau, and Cutrona, 1980) comprising 20 items with 10 negative and 10 positive statements, the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‑15), the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (Argyle & Lowe, 1989) consisting of 29 items scored from 0 to 3 with a total range of 0–87, and Miller's Life Expectancy Questionnaire (Miller & Powers, 1988), originally containing 40 items and later expanded to 48 items based on behavioral manifestations in hopeful and hopeless individuals. After obtaining verbal informed consent from all participants, the questionnaires were completed through both interview and self‑administered methods in various public settings such as parks, mosques, streets, and shops. The inclusion criteria were age 60 years or older and the ability to communicate verbally, while the exclusion criterion was unwillingness to continue cooperation. Descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, tables, and graphs, were used to summarize the data, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied to test the research hypotheses; all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 24.

Results

The findings revealed a significant relationship between geriatric locomotive syndrome and depression. Elderly individuals with movement syndrome exhibited varying degrees of depressive symptoms during daily activities and physical functioning. It may be concluded that depression is more prevalent among elderly individuals with movement disorders. This aligns with the findings of Khajavi and Khanmohammadi, who reported a significant relationship between depression and age, perceived health, and education.

Additionally, a significant relationship was found between locomotive syndrome and loneliness. Elderly individuals with movement syndrome experienced greater loneliness compared to those without the syndrome. This suggests that mobility impairments may contribute to social isolation and feelings of loneliness.

Moreover, a significant association was observed between locomotive syndrome and happiness. Elderly individuals with movement syndrome reported lower levels of happiness than their counterparts without the syndrome. These results indicate that older adults without mobility limitations are likely to experience greater life satisfaction.

Furthermore, the results showed a significant relationship between locomotive syndrome and life expectancy. Elderly individuals with movement syndrome had lower life expectancy compared to those without movement syndrome.

Conclusion

In line with previous research, the findings of this study indicate that inactivity and avoidance of physical and social activities whether due to voluntary or involuntary factors negatively affect motor and mental functioning, contributing to locomotive syndrome and influencing depression, loneliness, happiness, and life expectancy. Elderly individuals who remained physically and socially active demonstrated higher levels of happiness and life expectancy, along with lower levels of loneliness and depression. Conversely, those with locomotive syndrome were more prone to depression and loneliness, and reported lower happiness and life expectancy.
Footnotes