Regular Exercise May Help Prevent Depression In Later Life | HuffPost Life

Regular Exercise May Help Prevent Depression In Later Life

The Huffington Post

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Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images

Next time you consider ditching the gym in favour of a pizza and a film (for the fifth consecutive day) spare a thought for your mind.

Regular exercise - even light exercise such as going for a walk or gardening - may help prevent depression in later life.

Analysing the results of 26 years' worth of data, researchers found that 25 out of the 30 chosen studies mark a correlation between lack of exercise and depression in later life.

"I'm active so I wasn't surprised to find this, but 25 out of 30 showed a significant effect and that was unexpected," says George Mammen, Ph.D. candidate and co-author of the study.

19 Ways To Move More This Weekend

Take A Swim(01 of19)

You don't have to be Rebecca Adlington to get a water workout. Even some leisurely splashing around can shave off 200 calories, and it's a great way to stay cool in the heat, too! (credit:Alamy)

Stand At The Bar(02 of19)

Rather than nursing a drink sitting down, try standing with your drink. Leaning against a high stool is a step up from sitting, but can be more comfy than standing all night, Health magazine reported. (credit:Alamy)

Mini Golf(03 of19)

This old favorite is fun for kids and adults alike, and can burn 100 calories in just 30 minutes. Flickr photo by Machine is Organic (credit:Flickr: Machine is Organic)

Dance(04 of19)

Let the music move you when you're out on Saturday night. A little boogying can burn 150 calories in just 30 minutes. (credit:alamy)

Throw A Frisbee(05 of19)

You're not chained to that park bench! If you're already enjoying the outdoors, why not throw around a Frisbee or a football, pass a volleyball or kick a soccer ball? It doesn't have to be strenuous -- you don't even have to be any good! -- but it will get you up and moving.Flickr photo by Elvert Barnes (credit:Flickr: Elvert Barnes)

Go On An Exercise Date(06 of19)

If you've got a date night planned this weekend, skip dinner and a movie in favor of something that gets you off your rears. It doesn't have to be a trip to the gym or a jog -- it can be anything active you like doing together.Flickr photo by Tobyotter (credit:Flickr: Tobyotter)

Play Fetch(07 of19)

During the busy week, you sometimes might just let your pet out in the backyard to dig up his own trouble. This weekend, spend a little extra time moving with him. Play fetch, give him that much-needed belly rub or take him on an extra-long walk.Flickr photo by footloosiety (credit:Flickr: footloosiety)

Catch Up On A Walk(08 of19)

If you've made plans to meet a friend for coffee, take your catch up session to-go instead and gab on a walk. Even strolling at a snail's pace will burn 85 calories in 30 minutes! (credit:Alamy)

Play Pub Games(09 of19)

Put down the drink for some table football or pool if you're at a pub this weekend that offers it. Thirty minutes of pool can shave off 85 calories, not to mention you may save yourself a few if your hands aren't wrapped tightly around that pint glass.Flickr photo by Nicola since 1972 (credit:Flickr: Nicola since 1972)

Take A Hike(10 of19)

Head for the hills! Depending on where you live, a hike can be a weekend expedition or a quick afternoon adventure. It's a change of scenery and a great way to spend some time outdoors. If you're feeling sporty enough to tackle some hills, you can burn almost 250 calories in just 30 minutes.Flickr photo by mikebaird (credit:Flickr: mikebaird)

Go Window Shopping(11 of19)

Those people who do their exercise walking around the mall are onto something. Whether or not you plan to buy anything, browsing around your favorite shopping center gets you moving -- especially if you decide to wiggle in and out of a few things in the dressing room.Flickr photo by jimmyharris (credit:Flickr: jimmyharris)

Visit A Museum(12 of19)

Spend some time strolling through the halls and galleries of your favorite museum. You'll give your brain a workout while you're at it! (credit:Alamy)

Get A Takeaway Instead Of Delivery(13 of19)

Pick your favorite nearby joint and walk to pick up your meal. (credit:Alamy)

Wash The Car(14 of19)

Sure, it might take a little longer than sitting through the drive-thru, but you get the pleasure of working those muscles a little bit. (credit:Alamy)

Cook(15 of19)

Instead of sitting at a restaurant waiting to be served, why not whip something up at home? You'll be on your feet slicing, chopping, mixing and more, not to mention cleaning up after yourself.Flickr photo by mamaloco (credit:Flickr: mamaloco)

Tidy Up The Garden(16 of19)

Spending an hour digging, crouching, weeding and planting in your garden can burn more than 300 calories.Flickr photo by auntjojo (credit:Flickr: auntjojo)

Take A Bike Ride(17 of19)

You don't have be imitate the Tour de France! Even the most casual rides can burn 200 calories an hour. Don't own a bike? Many cities now have bike share programs that allow you to take a short spin for a small fee, and some parks have bikes available for rent, too.Flickr photo by machernucha (credit:Flickr: machernucha)

Go Bowling(18 of19)

It's not just for dads in bowling shirts! Grab a pair of nerdy-chic shoes and aim straight. You may even wiggle a little arm workout out of it!Flickr photo by junklab (credit:Flickr: junklab)

Start A Wii Fit Competition(19 of19)

Dreaming of a couch-potato weekend? Turn that screen time into something more productive by challenging a roommate, spouse or kid to a Wii Fit boxing or tennis match.Flickr photo by SashaW (credit:Flickr: SashaW)

"If you're not physically active, you should start," Mammem tells NBC News. "We usually think of exercise in terms of weight and how we look, but it's also a way to maintain mental health far into the future."

The study was carried out at The University Of Toronto and published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

See Also:
10 Depression-Busting Superfoods
Morning Dilemma: Is It Better For Your Body To Get Extra Sleep Or Get Up Early And Exercise?

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