Table 1 Target variables and survey instruments of DAVOS

Baseline and follow-up assessments (T0 and T5) in addition to outcomes

Variables/instruments

Sociodemographic variables: age, gender, family background, and further relevant sociodemographic data (only T0)

Subjective health status: 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12_v2)

Personality characteristics: Big-Five Inventory Short Version (BFI-10)

Dementia screening: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Primary outcomes (T0-T5)

Variables/instruments

Prevalence of depression, dysthymia, adjustment disorders: Structured Clinical Interview for the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (SCID-I)

Severity of depression symptoms: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

Secondary outcomes (T0-T5)

Variables/instruments

Frequency and duration of hospitalizations: Nursing home records

Quality of life: World Health Organization Quality of Life, short form (WHOQoL Old)

Quality of life (Attitude toward own aging): Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS)

Functional activity level: Late Life Function and Disability Instrument, short form (SF-LLFDI)

Social participation: Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale - short form