[Depressive symptoms in older adults studying at a third age open university]

Although depressive disorders prevalence among older adults usually is less than in the younger population, the presence of significant symptoms of depression is common in elderly people. Studies show that taking part in social, educational and pleasure activities is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms above the elderly participants of a Third Age Open University, taking the time taking part as a reference.

A cross-sectional design was implemented, with a participation of 95.2% (n=140) of the total enrolled in the first trimester of 2009 in the activities of the Third Age Open University of the Schools of Arts, Sciences and Humanities of the University of São Paulo. They all answered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15).

The prevalence of depressive symptoms found was 3.57%. The statistical analysis showed a relationship between participation formore than one semester in the Third Age Open University and a lower index of depressive symptoms (p<.05).

Participating for longer than one academic semester is associated with less depressive symptoms, possibly being a protector factor against depression.