Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of outdoor walking with overall mental health in later life.

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of three walking parameters (frequency, duration, and intensity) with overall mental health in older adults. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2014 with 1255 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older in Taipei, Taiwan. Among them, 408 participants completed the one-year follow-up survey in 2015. Self-reported outdoor walking during the past 7 days was measured by asking the frequency, duration, and intensity. Metabolic equivalent (MET) values ( Results Among the walking parameters, only walking intensity emerged as a significant predictor of subsequent overall mental health. Multivariable regression analysis showed that light-to-moderate intensity (approximately 2.5– Conclusions Outdoor walking at light-to-moderate intensity is prospectively associated with better overall mental health in later life.