CARDI Older People and Depression Research Report

Research funded by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) has found that regular exercise reduces depression in older people - whether patients report pain or not.  The all-Ireland study led by Dr Frank Doyle, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, examined the links between physical activity, pain, and depressive symptoms across three datasets.  The study found that pain is associated with increased depression and physical activity is associated with lower depression levels.  It also found that having pain does not stop people benefitting from physical activity.  Overall, the findings suggest that health professionals can consider and promote physical activity for the treatment of depressive symptoms and mental well-being, irrespective of pain levels.  For a copy of the full report, see: www.cardi.ie/news/exercisereducesdepressioninolderpeople