Relationship between exercise practice and depression in community-dwelling older adults

­ Examination focused on living arrangement and number of people in exercise fellow ­

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aims to clarify the association between exercise and depression among older adults living alone, focusing on their living arrangements and exercise fellow (non-exercisers, those who exercise alone, and those who exercise with others). [Subjests] The subjects were 8,870 community-dwelling older adults who did not require nursing care. [Methods] Self-administered questionnaires were used to evaluate living arrangements and exercise fellow in an exercise routine. Depressive status was evaluated using the Kihon Checklist. [Results] Among those who lived alone, the odds ratios for depression were significantly lower among those who exercised alone or with others compared to non-exercisers. However, there was no significant difference between the former two groups. [Conclusion] Regardless of the number of people involved in the exercise, exercise routines among those who live alone are associated with good mental health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an environment where those who live alone can exercise.