The relationship between outdoor recreation and depression among older adults

Abstract

Depression in older adults contributes to decreased health, increased mortality and lower quality of life. As participation in outdoor recreation has been correlated with decreased depression levels among other populations, it is hypothesised that higher participation in outdoor recreation will be correlated with lower depression levels among older adults. In particular this study examined whether participation in outdoor recreation was associated with reported symptoms of depression among adults aged 65 years and older. To do so, regression, ANOVA and t-tests were used to examine an existing statewide survey of 1216 Montana, USA residents aged 65 years and older. The findings indicate a correlation between outdoor recreation participation and lower depression levels. Current major depression was more prevalent among individuals over 65 years of age who had not participated in outdoor recreation during the past year. The strongest negative correlation existed among individuals over 65 years of age who participated in outdoor recreation four or more times per week. Further study examining the causality of this relationship is suggested, given the significant potential to improve older adults' quality of life.