Exercise as a treatment for depression in elders.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of exercise when treating depression in elders and to discuss the data supporting the relationship between increased physical activity and decreased depression.


METHODS
Extensive review of recent scientific literature, both medical and gerontological in content.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing physical activity markedly reduces depressive symptoms and is a safe adjunct or alternative to medication therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise has numerous physical and psychological benefits to patients. Physical activity should be recommended to all patients of all ages.
Palmer
Carol
C
Department of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing, Eastern Kentucky University, Lexington, Kentucky, USA. carol.palmer@eku.edu
D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life