Function limitations and depressive symptoms among older couples in China: the moderating role of intergenerational support

Limitations in performing basic daily activities can adversely affect the mental health of couples. This study aimed to examine the relationships between activity limitations and depressive symptoms among coupled individuals, as well as whether these relationships are moderated by the receipt of intergenerational support. We adopted a within-person analytical framework to analyze cross-sectional household data from the 2020 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), comprising a dyad sample of 3,578 aged 55 years or older. The results demonstrated that the functional limitations of one spouse were positively associated with depressive symptoms experienced by both spouses. Notably, emotional support received from adult children was found to moderate the relationship between wives’ functional limitations and depressive symptoms for both wives and husbands. The provision of emotional support from adult children may influence the relationship between functional limitations and depressive symptoms among older couples, potentially mitigating the risk of depression. Interventions designed to enhance older couples’ capacity to provide effective care amid disabilities, while also facilitating the receipt of support from adult children when necessary, could yield significant health benefits for both spouses. © The Author(s) 2025.