Exercise and improving mental health: The effect of dose, intensity, and duration of exercise on reducing depression in the elderly

Depression is a common mental health concern among older adults, significantly impacting quality of life, cognitive function, and overall well-being. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms in older adults, considering the characteristics of exercise interventions—namely, type, intensity, and duration. We conducted a systematic literature search from ۲۰۲۰ to ۲۰۲۵ in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, using keywords related to exercise, physical activity, depression, and older adults. Inclusion criteria included studies that evaluated exercise interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms in adults aged ۶۰ years and older, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized or non-randomized clinical trials. Data were qualitatively integrated and, where possible, quantitative summaries were provided to clarify mechanisms and outcomes. The findings of this article demonstrate consistent associations between aerobic and resistance exercise and mind-body approaches (particularly tai chi) with reduced depressive symptoms among older adults. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the scientific literature, reflecting variation in intervention type, duration, intensity, and participant characteristics, complicating comparisons between studies. Factors such as frailty status, baseline cognitive function, burden of comorbidities, and functional capacity significantly influence response to treatment, emphasizing the need for individualized exercise prescriptions tailored to each participant’s health status. The results of this study highlight the need to design exercise programs that take into account frailty and cognitive considerations as well as comorbidities. Policymakers and healthcare providers should integrate structured physical activity into comprehensive depression management strategies for older adults, applicable in community settings and long-term care facilities. Future research should prioritize high-quality randomized controlled trials to identify optimal exercise prescriptions and assess sustained mental health benefits. Clarifying underlying mechanisms and long-term pathways is essential to refine intervention targets and inform scalable and personalized implementation in older populations.

کلیدواژه ها:

depression ، older adults ، exercise ، physical activity ، mental health