Association between lifestyle activity and depressed mood among home-dwelling older people: A community-based study in Japan

Abstract

In the community-based cross-sectional study, we investigated patterns of lifestyle activities among older people and examined the association between specific types of lifestyle activity and depressed mood status. The participants were 656 men and women aged 65 or older in 2004 who lived in a rural town in Japan, neither institutionalized nor hospitalized and who did not have symptoms of dementia. We found that less interaction with neighbors, society and friends was highly associated with depressed mood for men. Additionally, although they were physically active in gardening/farming, it did not necessarily mean that they were mentally healthy if they did not have close ties with friends, family and children/grandchildren. For women, it seemed important to engage in several types of activities relating to society, leisure and children/grandchildren to be in less depressed mood. Even if they were socially inactive, if they had frequent contact with family and children/grandchildren or going out for pleasure they were less likely to be depressed. Distinguishing gender differences in lifestyle activity patterns and the association of activities with depressed mood will help to guide the development of depression intervention programs.

Gender differences in the correlates of loneliness among Japanese persons aged 50–70

“…The link between childlessness and loneliness was, however, stronger for women than for men. This seems consistent with the finding of Arai and colleagues that depressed mood was less likely for Japanese older women, but not for men, if they had frequent contact with children and/or grandchildren [21]. The findings presented here thus provide only partial support for Oshio's suggestion that men's wellbeing is more sensitive than women's to the family situation.…”

Depressive Symptoms and Past Lifestyle Among Japanese Elderly People

“…In addition, avoidance of excess salt and fat in men and moderate alcohol consumption in women were related to prevention of depressive symptoms among them in their later life. Several empirical studies have found that physical exercise positively affects mood (Arai et al 2007;Meeks et al 2007;Williams and Tappen 2008). In addition, lower physical functional capacity is related to depression among elderly people (Lee and Shinkai 2005).…”

The meaning of actualization of self-care resources among a group of older home-dwelling people—A hermeneutic study

“…It was also found in the present study that being together with grandchildren and great grandchildren was a way to be stimulated and cheered up. According to Arai et al (2007), social interactions within the society, neighbors, family, and friends are of importance for preventing depressive moods. Furthermore, Chiu and Spencer (2010) found that living an active social life have positive impacts on older people's health status.…”