Physical (in)activity and depression in older people

Knowledge about characteristics explaining low level of physical activity in late-life depression is needed to develop specific interventions aimed at improving physical health in depressed people above the age of 60.

This cross-sectional study used data from the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons (NESDO), a longitudinal multi-site naturalistic cohort study. People aged 60 and over with current depression and a non-depressed comparison group were included, and total amount of PA per week was assessed with the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Depression characteristics, socio-demographics, cognitive function, somatic condition, psycho-social, environment and other lifestyle factors were added in a multiple regression analysis.

Depressed persons >60y were less physically active in comparison with non-depressed subjects. The difference was determined by somatic condition (especially, functional limitations) and by psychosocial characteristics (especially sense of mastery). Within the depressed subgroup only, a lower degree of physical activity was associated with more functional limitations, being an inpatient, and the use of more medication, but not with the severity of the depression.

This study is based on cross-sectional data, so no conclusions can be drawn regarding causality.

This study confirms that depression in people over 60 is associated with lower physical activity. Patient characteristics seem more important than the depression diagnosis itself or the severity of depression. Interventions aimed at improving physical activity in depressed persons aged 60 and over should take these characteristics into account.