Associations between walking difficulty, walking activity, and depression among community-dwelling older adults

PURPOSE: This study explores how walking difficulty and activity relate to depression in older adults using data from the MOBILIZE Boston Study. METHODS: We analyzed data from 765 community-dwelling older adults from the study's baseline assessment. Depression was measured using the 20-item Hopkins Revision of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Walking difficulty and activity were self-reported based on the ability to walk, climb steps, and weekly walking distance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between difficulty walking, walking activity, and depression. FINDINGS: The prevalence of depression was significantly twofold greater among older adults who encountered difficulties walking a quarter-mile (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.25-4.29, p = .007) or ascending stairs (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.08-3.80, p = .028) than among those without difficulty. In contrast, the probability of depression was reduced by 72% when individuals walked a minimum of five miles per week compared with those who walked less than a block (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.76, p = .012). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Walking is an accessible activity essential for lowering the risk of depression in older adults. The research underscores the necessity of age-friendly environments and the training of healthcare providers such as community nurses and gerontologists in holistic care to foster active lifestyles and improve overall well-being.