Lifetime and recent physical activity and the risk for depression symptoms among older adults

Abstract

Depression significantly reduces quality of life and increases the risk of mortality, especially among older adults. Physical activity undertaken by older individuals is widely recognised as a factor that reduces the risk of developing depression; however, the impact of lifetime physical activity patterns on the risk of depression in old age remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of lifetime physical activity patterns on the risk of depressive symptoms in retired individuals. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 205 volunteers. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire, with metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values assigned to each activity. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale, physical performance was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and handgrip strength was measured with a handheld hydraulic dynamometer. Univariate analyses showed that only sport-related physical activity was statistically significantly associated with Geriatric Depression Scale scores (r = –0.150; p = 0.032). However, a multiple linear regression model, accounting for sex and other variables related to Geriatric Depression Scale scores, revealed that sport-related physical activity was no longer significantly associated with depression symptoms in this comparison. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score appeared to be the variable most closely related to depression symptoms.