Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2006):

Depression and exercise in elderly men and women: findings from the Swedish national study on aging and care.

Full Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between light and strenuous exercise and depression, as well as gender differences in this relationship, in a representative sample of 860 elderly Swedish suburb-dwelling men and women in age cohorts from 60 to 96 years, drawn from among participants in the Swedish National Aging and Care study. The relationship between depression and self-reported changes in exercise status over time was also examined. Exercise activities were measured with four survey questions, and depression, with the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. The inactive elderly had higher depression scores than more active individuals, both in terms of light and strenuous exercise. The continuously active group had lower depression scores than both continuously inactive individuals and individuals reporting a shift from activity to inactivity during the preceding year. Light exercise had a somewhat stronger effect on depression for women.

Author information

Author/s: Lindwall, Magnus (M); Rennemark, Mikael (M); Halling, Anders (A); Berglund, Johan (J); Hassmén, Peter (P);

Affiliation: School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of aging and physical activity (J Aging Phys Act), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jan; vol 15 (issue 1) : pp 41-55

Dates: Created 2007/03/27; Completed 2007/05/01;

PMID: 17387228, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Age Factors Aged Aged, 80 and over Aging - physiology; psychology Depression - therapy Exercise - psychology Exercise Therapy Female Geriatric Assessment

Geriatric Assessment Humans Male Mental Health Middle Aged Motor Activity Retrospective Studies Sex Factors Sweden

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