Advisor Information
Julie Blaskewicz Boron
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
1-3-2019 2:00 PM
End Date
1-3-2019 3:15 PM
Abstract
Depressive symptoms are negatively related to mental health and quality of life. Social and physical activities have been used as indicators of depressive symptoms in older populations. Participation in high levels of social and physical activities has been associated with decreased depressive symptoms. This pilot study explored the relationship between the levels of social and physical activities and depressive symptoms among older adults living in an independent living facility. Twenty-two participants (Age M=87.50; SD=7.50; 82% women) were recruited and completed The Geriatric Depression Scale short form, the Revised Change in Activity and Interest Index (assessed social activity level), and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (assessed physical exercise level). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between depressive symptoms and social and physical activities while controlling for age, gender, and education. No association was found between physical activities and depressive symptoms. Individuals’ reported participation in social activities was related to lower depressive symptoms (p=.022). In particular, “attend meeting groups” (p=.005) and “going to new restaurants/places” (p=.047) were significantly correlated with lower depressive symptoms. The relevance of these activities compared to others such as “visit with old friends and neighbors”, “invitations to events with new people”, and “spending time alone appeals”, highlights interest in activities that have a shared interest and socialization with at least some familiar people. This study demonstrates the importance of how participation in specific activities with social purposes can be associated with decreased depressive symptoms among older adults in an independent portion of a retirement community.
Depressive Symptoms, Social Activity, and Physical Activity in older adults
Depressive symptoms are negatively related to mental health and quality of life. Social and physical activities have been used as indicators of depressive symptoms in older populations. Participation in high levels of social and physical activities has been associated with decreased depressive symptoms. This pilot study explored the relationship between the levels of social and physical activities and depressive symptoms among older adults living in an independent living facility. Twenty-two participants (Age M=87.50; SD=7.50; 82% women) were recruited and completed The Geriatric Depression Scale short form, the Revised Change in Activity and Interest Index (assessed social activity level), and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (assessed physical exercise level). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between depressive symptoms and social and physical activities while controlling for age, gender, and education. No association was found between physical activities and depressive symptoms. Individuals’ reported participation in social activities was related to lower depressive symptoms (p=.022). In particular, “attend meeting groups” (p=.005) and “going to new restaurants/places” (p=.047) were significantly correlated with lower depressive symptoms. The relevance of these activities compared to others such as “visit with old friends and neighbors”, “invitations to events with new people”, and “spending time alone appeals”, highlights interest in activities that have a shared interest and socialization with at least some familiar people. This study demonstrates the importance of how participation in specific activities with social purposes can be associated with decreased depressive symptoms among older adults in an independent portion of a retirement community.