Change in physical activity and the risk of depressive symptoms in mid-older aged adults

Abstract

Aim: Middle-age and older adults' physical activity participation changes may influence their depressive conditions. This study explores the associations between changes in physical activity levels over time and the likelihood of depressive symptoms based on a population-based survey.

Methods: This study included adults aged ≥50 years from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study in Aging (TLSA) survey. Physical activity levels from the 2003 and 2007 surveys were used to identify patterns of change across time. Multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the associations between changes in physical activity and the risk of depressive symptoms. Additional analyses were conducted to assess if the associations of change patterns varied by individuals' baseline physical activity levels.

Results: Of the 3439 participants, 12.9% newly developed a high risk of depression over 4 years. Compared with those with constant physical activity levels, adults with decreased physical activity levels showed a significantly higher risk of depressive symptoms at follow-up (odds ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-2.06). The deteriorative association was most pronounced among individuals who had high physical activity levels at baseline but later reduced their activity (odds ratio = 2.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.48-2.72) compared with those who kept highly active. No significant association was observed among individuals who reported increased physical activity during the study period.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of middle-aged and older adults staying physically active and avoiding reducing physical activity levels to prevent depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 670-676.

Keywords: changes in physical activity; depression; initial activity level; maintaining active; middle‐aged and older adults.