Changes in behavioral activities and transition of depressive symptoms among younger‐old community‐dwelling adults during 6 years: An age‐specific prospective cohort study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveRegular engagement in behavioral activities plays a crucial role against depressive symptoms in older adults. This study aims to explore the relationship between behavioral activities and the temporal evolution of depressive symptoms.MethodsWe included community‐dwelling Japanese adults aged 64 or 65 years with and without depressive symptoms enrolled in the New Integrated Suburban Seniority Investigation (NISSIN) project. Depressive symptoms at baseline and follow‐up were assessed using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. Behavioral activities were measured by self‐reported questions. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic variables and health‐related confounders.ResultsDuring the 6 year follow‐up period, 139 (10.1%) without depressive symptoms at baseline developed such symptoms over time, while 174 (51.6%) with depressive symptoms improved to the point of these symptoms being absent. The participants without depressive symptoms at baseline and those who engaged in social activity or daily walking at a continued regular frequency (CRF) or an increased frequency (IF) and exercise habits at CRF were the least likely to have depressive symptoms onset at follow‐up. There was no significant difference between the changes in behavioral activities and the improvement of depressive symptoms after controlling for confounders. Participants engaging in a greater variety of behavioral activities at CRF were less likely to experience a new onset of depressive symptoms.ConclusionsConsistent and regular participation in one or more behavioral activities was significantly associated with the onset of depressive symptoms in Japanese community‐dwelling older adults.