A recent study showed that feeling good can lead to more physical activity, especially during the COVID-19 restrictions. Those who felt positive were more likely to stay active, while feelings of depression led to less movement. This suggests that mental health can help keep us physically active, creating a nice loop of benefit between the two.
Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland looked at people aged 60 to 88. Most participants either kept their activity levels the same or even increased them during lockdowns. They found that individuals with a positive outlook were more active and more likely to ramp up their exercise during this challenging time.
“It was interesting to observe that the link between positive feelings and physical activity was stronger in those around 60 compared to those over 70,” says Tiina Savikangas, a postdoctoral researcher.
Interestingly, while Finland didn’t impose a curfew, older participants faced stricter rules than younger people. This might have influenced how much mental well-being affected their activity levels.
Past studies highlighted that being active improves mental well-being. This new research adds another layer: good mental health can also encourage physical activity. It seems that these two aspects can boost each other.
“Having good mental health is vital for staying active,” Savikangas notes. “People with this kind of support are likely to keep moving, even during tough times.”
The study found that feelings of depression were tied to lower activity levels, particularly in those over 70. This shows that different mental health factors might affect people of various ages differently.
“It’s important to support mental health to encourage an active lifestyle, especially in challenging situations,” Savikangas explains. It’s not just about avoiding depressive feelings, but also about enhancing positive mental well-being.
The research did not find a direct link between negative feelings and physical activity when depression was considered. This suggests that depressive symptoms, which can include issues like sleeplessness and changes in appetite, might be a more significant factor in reducing activity than simply feeling negative.
This study was part of the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development, focusing on older adults navigating through life changes. Researchers surveyed 162 individuals aged 60 to 61 and 272 individuals aged 72 to 88 about their activity levels during the pandemic. They used a questionnaire designed to evaluate physical activity, as well as methods to assess mental well-being through self-reports.
The JYLS study, led by Dr. Katja Kokko, and the PASSWORD study, overseen by Professor Sarianna Sipilä, received funding from the Academy of Finland.
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Physical Activity, covid-19, Gerontology, Pandemic, Research
