Key Points Question What is the minimal dose of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) associated with a reduced risk of depression and depressive symptoms in older adults (aged ≥50 years) with and without chronic disease?
Findings
In this cohort study among 4016 older adults, at each of the included time points across a 10-year period, a negative dose-response association was observed between MVPA dose and depressive symptoms and major depression.
Meaning
The findings of this study suggest that a lower dose of MVPA than recommended from guidelines for overall health may be associated with a lower risk of depression among older adults.
In my experience as a North American, so many people can’t fathom walking for daily needs like groceries or work because of how hostile our urban environments are. It absolutely sucks walking next to a 5-7 lane road with lots of driveways, intersections and traffic moving 50-80 km/hr. Its loud, smells of exhaust, is often an ugly environment of parking lots, and you gotta be on guard for any cars that don’t see you.
I much prefer taking a more suburban route for groccery trips even though its a little longer and ends up being uphill both ways because the quiet streets and more greenery make a much safer and more enjoyable walk.
I could certainly see this as another reason people defending car centric infrastructure would be defensive. Walking is truly miserable in many cities and some people may not even know that it can be nice. My area is decently walkable so I probably have some bias in my observations. I will keep this perspective in mind, thanks!
This and the massive distances between most peoples homes and where they need to go. A proper walkable city has most amenities within 20 minutes walking or accessible by transit. It NA urban design, you’re sometimes lucky to have a convenience store within 20 minutes let alone options for work, grocceries, restaurants etc.