Physical Activity & Mobility Crucially Linked to Mental Wellbeing in Seniors
A recent study highlights the critically important connection between physical activity,mobility,and mental health among older adults. Researchers found that maintaining both physical activity and the ability to move freely are vital for psychological wellbeing in individuals aged 70 and over.
The research, conducted in Central Sweden, analyzed data from nearly 13,000 participants who responded to the 2022 liv and Health survey. The study revealed that 51% of participants were physically inactive, defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week.Furthermore, 31% reported reduced mobility, experiencing difficulty with activities like walking or climbing stairs.
The findings demonstrate a clear correlation between inactivity and increased rates of anxiety and depression. Individuals who were physically inactive were more likely to experience these mental health challenges compared to their more active counterparts.
However, the study also revealed a more pronounced impact of reduced mobility. Mental illness was even more prevalent among seniors with limited mobility, irrespective of their level of physical activity. This suggests that the ability to move freely plays a particularly crucial role in maintaining mental health.
“The results indicate that for those who have mobility, physical activity has a positive effect on mental health for at least 150 minutes per week. But it is indeed also crucial to note that many older people, almost every third person over 70, find it challenging to move and those who have reduced ability to mobility frequently enough have poorer mental health irrespective of physical activity.This is important knowledge to promote mental health in an aging population.”
– Anu Molarius, Researcher
These findings underscore the importance of addressing both physical activity and mobility when developing strategies to support the mental health of an aging population.Interventions should focus not only on encouraging exercise but also on preserving and improving mobility in older adults.
The global population is aging rapidly, increasing the demand for healthcare services focused on geriatric mental health. Maintaining physical and mental wellbeing in later life is a growing public health priority. Further research is needed to explore effective interventions for improving mobility and promoting mental health in older adults, particularly those with pre-existing mobility limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered physically inactive for this study?
In this study, physically inactive was defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
Does physical activity help mental health in seniors?
Yes, the study indicates that for seniors *with* good mobility, at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week has a positive effect on mental health.
Is reduced mobility a bigger risk factor than inactivity?
The research suggests that reduced mobility is a stronger predictor of mental illness in older adults, even when accounting for physical activity levels.
What does the study say about the aging population?
The study emphasizes the importance of understanding these connections to promote mental health as the population ages, noting that nearly one-third of those over 70 experience mobility challenges.
Where was this study conducted?
this research was conducted in Central Sweden, utilizing data from the 2022 Liv and Health survey.
