Empty nest syndrome a myth - study

The new study contradicts the popular belief that adults suffered from "empty nest syndrome" in later life, said psychiatrists at King's College, London.

The survey, carried out in villages in rural Thailand, questioned more than 1,000 parents aged 60 and over.

It found depression was less common among parents whose children lived further away, compared to parents whose children lived locally.

Depression was highest among parents of poorer families with all their children still living in the local area, the study showed.

Dr Melanie Abas, lead researcher, said the team was surprised at the findings.

(...) Dr Abas suggested parents whose children left home tended to be better educated. They were also more likely to be younger, married and still working. She said each of these factors reduced the risk of depression.