Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Although physical activity (PA) has been demonstrated to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, research on the mental health benefits of PA in older adults is limited. Moreover, the psychosocial factors that might mediate or moderate the relationship between PA and depression in this population are largely unexplored. Methods: Using a sample of adults age 65 and older (N = 2736), we examined whether the major components of the stress process model (stress, social support, mastery, self-esteem) and physical health mediate or moderate the relationship between PA and depressive symptoms. Results: Physical health has the single largest effect, accounting for 45% of the effect of PA on depression. The stress process model, with physical health included, accounts for 70% of the relationship between PA and depression. Conclusions: Among older adults with above average levels of perceived mastery, greater physical activity is associated with higher levels of depression. Limitations and directions for further research are discussed.

Health Related Quality of Life by Level of Physical Activity in Arthritic Older Adults With and Without Activity Limitations

“…[35][36][37][38] These include, but are not limited to, decreased joint pain, reduced use of anti-inflammatory medications associated with gastrointestinal problems, reduced frequency of arthritis-related physician visits, increased muscular strength and flexibility, increased circulation of neuropeptides, and a greater sense of accomplishment and self-worth, which in turn promotes psychological well-being, thereby increasing overall HRQOL. 30,[35][36][37][38] The relationship between PA and overall HRQOL is considered complex; 38 however, recent research has shown that pain and lower functional status are significant predictors of fair/poor self-reported health status among adults. 36,37 According to the ACR, patients involved in self-management programs incorporating PA report reduced pain and improved function and overall HRQOL.…”

The Role of Social Participation and Walking in Depression among Older Adults: Results from the VoisiNuAge Study

“…Physical activity has been associated with better physical health, but its association with the extent of depressive symptoms or possible clinical depression among older adults is less clear (Cairney, Faught, Hay, Wade, & Corna, 2005). Physical activity is thought to prevent or lessen the extent of depressive symptoms or possible clinical depression by activating selected biological pathways, increasing a sense of mastery, a sense of self-worth, or number of social contacts, or by distracting from negative thoughts (Lawlor & Hopker, 2001).…”

Physical Activity Measurement in Older Adults: Relationships with Mental Health

“…Furthermore, recent studies have shown that accumulating more PA is related to higher satisfaction with life (Fox, Stathi, McKenna, & Davis, 2007; McAuley et al, 2000; Stubbe, de Moor, Boomsma, & de Geus, 2007), although others have failed to detect such a relationship (Menec, 2003; Netz et al, 2005). In regard to discrete indices of mental health, PA has been found to negatively correlate with depression (Fukukawa et al, 2004; Lindwall, Rennemark, Halling, Bergelund, & Hassman, 2007; Yoshiuchi et al, 2006) and anxiety (Fox et al; Stewart, Mills, Sepsis, et al, 1997), whereas others have not detected this relationship (Cairney, Faught, Hay, Wade, & Corna, 2005). Furthermore, in a review of cross-sectional studies, a greater amount of PA was associated with preferable levels of both positive and negative affect (Arent et al, 2000).…”