The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms in Healthy Older Women

Abstract

Objective: Depression and inactivity in the elderly are major health problems with significant ramifications for healthy aging. Research shows an inverse relationship between depression and physical activity levels. The purpose of the current investigation is to examine the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in healthy older women, first within the framework of exercise programs, and second via the impact of an intervention. Method: Two experiments were conducted. In the first, 65 women, all above the age of 60, participated. Measures of physical activity were gained by self-report using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire while the measure of depressive symptomatology was the Beck Depression Inventory. In the second, 11 women participated in a line dancing intervention, and their self-reported depressive symptomatology was measured prior to and just after the 6-week exercise intervention using the Beck Depression Inventory. In addition, during the second experiment, pedometer data were gathered during the fourth week. Results and Conclusion: The data of the first study revealed a relationship between the total amount of physical activity and scores on the Beck Depression Inventory; that is, the more active a person is, the lower her self-reported depressive symptoms. Significant correlations were found between the Beck Depression Inventory and the reports of vigorous and moderate exercise levels, but not with walking. Participants who were part of an organized exercise group exercised significantly more than those who exercised on their own. In the second study, those who participated in a line dancing intervention had significantly lower Beck Depression Inventory scores post intervention. The implications of these findings for public health are discussed.

Role of Social Support in the Relationship Between Financial Strain and Frequency of Exercise Among Older Japanese: A 19-year Longitudinal Study

“…To ensure that the variables were treated equally, the minimum and maximum for each variable were set at the same level. Thus, we scored the binary question (c) as either 1 or 5 points (ie, yes [1] or no [5]) and the three-point question (b) as either 1, 3, or 5 points (ie, better [1], about the same [3], or worse [5]), as the other variable (a) was measured on a five-point scale (ie, completely satisfied [1] to not at all satisfied [5]). Cronbach's alpha was 0.67.…”

“…In general, many researchers have agreed that there are two types of social support, and based on this perspective, this study divided social support into emotional support and instrumental support. Each of these was measured by a composite score based on two questions with five response categories (never [1] to always [5]). The questions regarding emotional support were "How often does someone listen to you?"…”

“…Financial Strain, Social Support, and Frequency of Exercise million yen [3], 5.0-9.9 million yen [4], or ≥10 million yen [5]. Household income provides an objective representation of financial status, while financial strain provides a subjective representation.…”

“…Functional health was measured using six basic activities of daily living (BADL) items and five instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) items. 26,27 Regarding the IADL items, all items except climbing stairs and walking a few blocks were coded from no difficulty [1] to unable to do [5]. These two items were measured using a five-point scale in Waves 1 and 2 and a fourpoint scale in Waves 3 through 7.…”

“…1 PA has been associated with reduced risks of mortality, morbidity, disability, and depression in old age. [2][3][4][5] In general, exercise is a subset of PA that is planned, structured, and repetitive, and has a specific purpose. One factor affecting the level of PA=exercise is financial strain.…”