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The Association of Physical (in)Activity with Mental Health. Differences between Elder and Younger Populations: A Systematic Literature Review

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  • Laia Maynou

    (Health Policy Department, London School of Economics and Political Science, London WC2A 2AE, UK
    Centre for Research in Health and Economics (CRES-UPF) Mercè Rodoreda Building, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Helena M. Hernández-Pizarro

    (Centre for Research in Health and Economics (CRES-UPF) Mercè Rodoreda Building, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
    Tecnocampus, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08302 Mataró, Spain)

  • María Errea Rodríguez

    (Freelance Researcher, 31007 Pamplona, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is associated with mental health benefits. This systematic literature review summarises extant evidence regarding this association, and explores differences observed between populations over sixty-five years and those younger than sixty-five. Methods: We reviewed articles and grey literature reporting at least one measure of physical activity and at least one mental disorder, in people of all ages. Results: From the 2263 abstracts screened, we extracted twenty-seven articles and synthesized the evidence regarding the association between physical (in)activity and one or more mental health outcome measures. We confirmed that physical activity is beneficial for mental health. However, the evidence was mostly based on self-reported physical activity and mental health measures. Only one study compared younger and elder populations, finding that increasing the level of physical activity improved mental health for middle aged and elder women (no association was observed for younger women). Studies including only the elderly found a restricted mental health improvement due to physical activity. Conclusions: We found inverse associations between levels of physical activity and mental health problems. However, more evidence regarding the effect of ageing when measuring associations between physical activity and mental health is needed. By doing so, prescription of physical activity could be more accurately targeted.

Suggested Citation

  • Laia Maynou & Helena M. Hernández-Pizarro & María Errea Rodríguez, 2021. "The Association of Physical (in)Activity with Mental Health. Differences between Elder and Younger Populations: A Systematic Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-34, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4771-:d:546553
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Supa Pengpid & Karl Peltzer, 2019. "Leisure-Time Sedentary Behavior Is Associated with Psychological Distress and Substance Use among School-Going Adolescents in Five Southeast Asian Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-10, June.
    2. Sonja Spitzer & Daniela Weber, 2019. "Reporting biases in self-assessed physical and cognitive health status of older Europeans," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(10), pages 1-22, October.
    3. Kyo-Man Koo & Kyungjin Kim, 2020. "Effects of Physical Activity on the Stress and Suicidal Ideation in Korean Adult Women with Depressive Disorder," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-11, May.
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    5. Jacob Meyer & Cillian McDowell & Jeni Lansing & Cassandra Brower & Lee Smith & Mark Tully & Matthew Herring, 2020. "Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Response to COVID-19 and Their Associations with Mental Health in 3052 US Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-13, September.
    6. Haewon Byeon, 2019. "Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Depression of Elderly People Living Alone," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-10, October.
    7. Van Gool, C.H. & Kempen, G.I.J.M. & Bosma, H. & Van Boxtel, M.P.J. & Jolles, J. & Van Eijk, J.T.M., 2007. "Associations between lifestyle and depressed mood: Longitudinal results from the Maastricht aging study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(5), pages 887-894.
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    1. Dararatt Anantanasuwong & Supa Pengpid & Karl Peltzer, 2022. "Prevalence and Associated Factors of Successful Ageing among People 50 Years and Older in a National Community Sample in Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-8, August.
    2. Ying-Chen Chi & Chen-Long Wu & Hsiang-Te Liu, 2022. "Assessing Quality of Life with Community Dwelling Elderly Adults: A Mass Survey in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.
    3. Karsten Ingmar Paul & Alfons Hollederer, 2023. "The Effectiveness of Health-Oriented Interventions and Health Promotion for Unemployed People—A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-19, June.
    4. Simone Ciaccioni & Caterina Pesce & Roberta Forte & Valentina Presta & Angela Di Baldassarre & Laura Capranica & Giancarlo Condello, 2022. "The Interlink among Age, Functional Fitness, and Perception of Health and Quality of Life: A Mediation Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-14, June.

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