In recent years, the prevalence depression among the elderly in Taiwan has increased significantly. This study aims to explore the relationship between work status and depressive symptoms among the older people in Taiwan Data for this study are from the fifth and sixth waves of the Taiwan Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly. The survey followed a national representative sample of older since 1989. Participant aged 57 and over in 2003 were included in this study. Logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between work status and depressive symptoms. The results showed that: in both the 2003 and 2007 waves, older and female participants were more likely to be depressive than did their counterparts. Regression analyses found that, compared to those who continue working between 2003 and 2007, participants who were not working during the period were more likely to have depressive symptoms (Odds Ratio = 1.76). However, after controlling for self-rated health and activities of daily living, the odds ratio became non-significant (Odds Ratio = 1.08). Conclusion: In modern societies, work has been a major part of a person’s identity, in addition to providing a means to live. Leaving a job usually implies a loss of an important identity, which might have impacts on older people’s psychological well-being. The reasons to stop working in old ages could be complex, however, it seems to be associated older people’s health status. Compared to the deteriorating of physical health in old age, less attention has been directed at older people mental health. More attention should be paid to improve older people’s mental health.
