New study finds that physical activity may help combat depression in seniors by stimulating muscle-generated mood boosters. The findings of the study are published in the American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology.
The findings reveal that the underlying mechanisms which make us feel good when we exercise persist into old age and highlight the importance of staying active.
Depression Symptom Evaluation
Depression occurs due to alterations in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Advertisement
‘Muscle loss is a common problem among elderly which may restrict that pathway and therefore raise the risk for depression. But, a new study finds that exercise can be used as a preventative strategy to help fight depression in seniors.’
Read More..
Tweet it Now
Read More..
"A previous study demonstrated these mechanisms in healthy young adults. However, it was unknown whether the muscle deterioration which accompanies aging would preclude older adults from achieving similar exercise-induced benefits," explains David Allison, lead author on the study and a postdoctoral fellow in McMaster's Department of Kinesiology.
"This could have important implications concerning the use of exercise as a treatment or a preventative strategy for depression in seniors," he says.
![Herbs that Reduce Anxiety and Depression]( "Herbs that Reduce Anxiety and Depression")
Read on to find out which herbs and herbal products are useful and effective in treating the chronic and recurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Little is known about the relationship between skeletal muscle and mental health, or how exercise impacts this relationship.
Earlier research has shown that physical activity may help to 'turn on' genes within skeletal muscle which can then influence the key metabolic pathways that ultimately promote mood-enhancing chemicals, such as serotonin, within the brain.
Muscle loss is a common problem in the elderly which may restrict that pathway and therefore increase the risk for depression, says Allison.
For the study, a group of healthy men, aged 65 and over, followed a 12-week protocol of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a stationary bike once a week combined with bi-weekly strength training sessions. Researchers analyzed blood samples and changes to muscle and determined that three months of the exercise was enough to enhance gene expression within the skeletal muscle.
"Even individuals who are already metabolically healthy with good weight, good blood pressure and blood sugar levels need to prioritize regular physical activity to maintain or improve upon their mental health," says Allison. "We have shown such benefits are still achievable in old age and further emphasize the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle."
In the future, researchers hope to explore the relationship between mental health and exercise among the clinically depressed to see if similar biochemical changes can be achieved.
Source: Eurekalert
Herbs that Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Read on to find out which herbs and herbal products are useful and effective in treating the chronic and recurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Advertisement
Little is known about the relationship between skeletal muscle and mental health, or how exercise impacts this relationship.
Earlier research has shown that physical activity may help to 'turn on' genes within skeletal muscle which can then influence the key metabolic pathways that ultimately promote mood-enhancing chemicals, such as serotonin, within the brain.
Muscle loss is a common problem in the elderly which may restrict that pathway and therefore increase the risk for depression, says Allison.
For the study, a group of healthy men, aged 65 and over, followed a 12-week protocol of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a stationary bike once a week combined with bi-weekly strength training sessions. Researchers analyzed blood samples and changes to muscle and determined that three months of the exercise was enough to enhance gene expression within the skeletal muscle.
"Even individuals who are already metabolically healthy with good weight, good blood pressure and blood sugar levels need to prioritize regular physical activity to maintain or improve upon their mental health," says Allison. "We have shown such benefits are still achievable in old age and further emphasize the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle."
In the future, researchers hope to explore the relationship between mental health and exercise among the clinically depressed to see if similar biochemical changes can be achieved.
Source: Eurekalert
Senior Citizens Get Tech Savvy
By getting tech-savvy, senior citizens are fostering new engagements, bringing in positive change in their attitude, health, fighting depression and improving the quality of their lives.
Advertisement
 Exercise for SeniorsPoor health and recurrent illnesses can severely compromise quality of life for seniors. But with appropriate exercise, seniors can age gracefully and maintain overall good health. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Senior Health News
Happy long life to you: Being more social can increase the life span of older people. So, start socializing to add more years to your life.
The sequences of DNA at the extremity of chromosomes called telomeres seem to be a hallmark of depression and cognitive complaints in older adults.
A new study has found that being a frail elderly person and using a wheelchair involves a substantially decreased risk of fractures.
Could We Slow Aging by Rejuvenating Old Blood Stem Cells? Drugs used for arthritis may overturn aging effects on the blood system in mice.
Is living near a food swamp bad for health? Yes, living near dense fast food and unhealthy food environments can put people over 50's at a higher risk of stroke.