Physical activity and depression among older community-dwelling adults in urban and rural areas: Population based study

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to explore physical activity (PA) in different daily contexts, among older adults in Northern Iceland; and by urban-rural living, age-group and sex. Moreover, to study the association between PA and depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was cross-sectional, population based and data was collected in 2017-‘18 in Northern Iceland. The 175 community-dwelling participants (participation rate 59.7%) were 65-92 years old, 43% were women, and 40% lived in rural areas. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was used to obtain a total PA score and three subs-scores reflecting PA associated with leisure-time, household and work. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to detect depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Total PA was the same for urban and rural people, men were more active than women, and the 65-74 years age-group was more active than the 75-92 years age-group. People in rural areas were more likely to do work-related PA than people in urban areas, as was the 65-74 years age-group compared to the 75-92 years age-group. Men were more PA during household than women. Higher total PA and the sub-scores of PASE had significant association with fewer depressive symptoms. PA in leisure-time was the only PASE sub-score with a significant and independent association with fewer depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results improve the knowledge on PA among older community-dwelling adults, and its relationship with depressive symptoms. Although PA in different contexts has various health benefits, an emphasis on leisure-time PA may have the most beneficial effect on mental health.