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

Objective: Regular 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.

Methods: We 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.

Results: During 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.

Conclusions: Consistent and regular participation in one or more behavioral activities was significantly associated with the onset of depressive symptoms in Japanese community-dwelling older adults.