Study finds loneliness, physical activity, and living arrangements also play significant roles in mental health outcomes for Nigeria’s elderly population. Study: Influence of physical activity on loneliness and depression among the older adults in Nigeria . Image Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.
com A recent study published in Scientific Reports examined the influence of physical activity on depression and loneliness in older adults in Nigeria. The researchers analyzed data from over 300 participants and identified key factors contributing to depression, particularly loneliness and the lack of physical activity, and investigated whether physical activity could modify the impact of loneliness on depression in this population. Background Depression and loneliness are serious mental health issues affecting older adults globally, especially in low-income countries where support systems may be limited.
Aging often leads to reduced social interactions, isolation, and increased physical health issues, all of which contribute to mental health challenges and significant reductions in quality of life. Studies have also found that loneliness is linked to depression, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline, and is rapidly becoming a public health concern. Research suggests that feelings of loneliness arise from a lack of stimulating social interactions and often intensify with age.
Physical activity, on the other hand, offers numerous mental and ph.