Clinical Gerontologist · Nov 27, 2025

Age-Related Deficits in Executive Function and Their Contribution to Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults

By Shin M, Kim J

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the relationship between executive function (EF) in daily life and depressive symptoms in older adults, focusing on how age-related EF deficits contribute to depressive symptoms. METHODS: Data were collected from 404 community-dwelling older adults in Gangwon-do, South Korea. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Korean version of the Short Form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS-SF), and EF deficits were measured using the Korean version of the Short Form of the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (KBDEFS-SF), an ecologically validated tool. Regression analysis and a mediation model were employed to investigate how age-related EF deficits contribute to depressive symptoms. RESULTS: EF deficits, particularly in self-organization/problem-solving and self-regulation of emotion, were significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms. However, only deficits in self-organization/problem-solving mediated the relationship between age and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Age-related deficits in self-organization/problem-solving significantly contribute to depressive symptoms in older adults. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Interventions aimed at improving self-organization and problem-solving skills are critical for managing depressive symptoms in older adults, as these abilities are influenced by age and may mediate the relationship between age and depression.

doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2025.2595031PubMed 41311150Populations