To what extent does physical activity explain the associations between neighborhood environment and depressive symptoms in older adults living in an asian metropolis?

ConclusionsUltra-dense, well-connected, pedestrian-friendly, destination-rich neighborhoods may contribute to lowering the risk of depressive symptoms in Hong Kong older adults by enabling them to frequently walk to local destinations of daily living and, thus, maintain their independence and bond with the community. These potential pathways of influence appear to be particularly important for older adults living alone. Future studies need to identify mechanisms other than PA that contribute to unexplained environment-depression relationships.
Source: Mental Health and Physical Activity - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research