Symptoms of depression are related to sedentary behavior and sleep duration in elderly individuals: A cross-sectional study of 49,317 older Chinese adults

Objective: Depression is a common mental disorder in older adults. This study aimed to determine the incidence of depression and the relationship between sedentary behavior and sleep duration in elderly individuals. Method: A total of 49,317 elderly adults from eight health centers in six Chinese provinces completed an online self-reported health questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and depression symptoms. Results: Symptoms of depression were present in 20.1% of older adults. Sedentary behaviors for >6 h/day (OR = 3.16; 95% CI: 2.90–3.44; p < 0.001) were a greater risk factor for depressive symptoms in older adults than sedentary behaviors for less than 3 h/day. Elderly individuals with short sleep durations (<7 h/day) were more likely to experience depression (OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 2.07–2.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study suggested that sedentary behavior and short sleep duration in older Chinese adults are associated with depressive symptoms. In China, further improvement of the mental health and lifestyle of elderly individuals may be warranted.