The prevalence of depression is on the rise, affecting millions each year, with older individuals also experiencing its impact. Over two million Americans aged 65 and above grapple with some form of depression out of the 34 million in this age group. However, recent research unveils a 10-minute strategy that can drastically diminish your risk of depression, and the best part is, it’s incredibly simple.
Depression, a serious mood disorder, has profound effects on thinking, emotions, and behavior. Beyond the immediate challenge of battling the blues, depression can lead to enduring issues such as memory loss, heart disease, and chronic pain. While common among seniors, depression is not an inherent aspect of aging.
Even if you have faced depression before, it is preventable in the future. Recent research affirms that dedicating just 15 minutes a day, five days a week, to moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, can substantially reduce the risk of developing depressive symptoms.
This study, featured in the journal JAMA Network Open, discovered that individuals engaging in 15 minutes of daily exercise witnessed a 16 percent reduction in the risk of depressive symptoms and a remarkable 43 percent decrease in the likelihood of major depression. Notably, the more exercise you incorporate, the more pronounced the positive effects.
For those who enjoy a brisk walk or run, that’s fantastic. Simply set aside 15 minutes and step outside. However, if you find the idea of “exercise” daunting, remember that it doesn’t have to be a grand undertaking. In the fight against depression, even everyday activities like cleaning, gardening, dancing during commercial breaks, or doing laundry can serve as valuable forms of exercise.