Different levels of physical activity and depression symptoms among older adults from 18 countries: A population‐based study from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
Adilson Marques, Margarida Gaspar de Matos, Joana Bordado, Élvio Rúbio Gouveia, Miguel Peralta, Diego Gómez‐Baya
Abstract
Abstract Objective: Analyse the relationship between different levels of physical activity (PA) and depression symptoms in a representative sample of European older adults. Methods: Data on PA, depression symptoms and sociodemographic variables from 64688 (28015 men) older adults participating in SHARE wave 6 was collected through a face‐to‐face interview. The EURO‐D 12‐item scale was administered for depression symptoms. Participants reported the frequency they engaged in moderate‐intensity PA (MPA) and vigorous‐intensity PA (VPA). Results: Men and women engaging in MPA and VPA once or more than once a week had less depression symptoms than those who engage less than once a week. MPA and VPA once or more than once a week were inversely associated with the depression symptoms score. Furthermore, engaging in MPA and VPA decreased the odds of depression (cut‐off point of ≥4 depression symptoms) compared to engaging in PA less than once a week. Conclusions: Policies for promoting mental health should include PA for the prevention or treatment of depression symptoms. PA presents physical and psychological benefits and can be used as an overall health‐promoting strategy, facing numerous problems at a time.