Dr. Beatriz Olaya Contributes to Understanding the Relationship Between Physical Activity, Loneliness, and Mental Health in Older Adults

Dr. Beatriz Olaya, a researcher at the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), has been one of the authors of a recent study published in Mental Health and Physical Activity that explores the longitudinal relationships between physical activity, loneliness, and mental health in middle-aged and older adults. This research, conducted within the framework of the Edad con Salud study, provides new evidence on how loneliness acts as a mediating factor between physical inactivity and common mental disorders, such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

The study, which analyzed data from nearly 2,000 participants over an eight-year period (from 2014 to 2022), reveals that physical inactivity predicts higher levels of loneliness, which in turn increases the risk of common mental disorders. Additionally, a bidirectional relationship was observed: loneliness can lead to greater physical inactivity, and common mental disorders can exacerbate feelings of loneliness. These results underscore the importance of promoting physical activity and addressing loneliness as part of strategies to improve mental health in older adults.

The study, which uses advanced statistical models to analyze the relationships and temporal dynamics between these factors, not only contributes to scientific understanding but also provides a foundation for designing more effective interventions for the older population.

The authors highlight that these findings have significant clinical implications: “Interventions that promote physical activity, especially in social settings, could be key to reducing loneliness and improving mental health in this group. Additionally, it is essential to assess and address loneliness in individuals with mental disorders to facilitate their participation in physical activities.”

For more information about the study, you can consult the full article published in Mental Health and Physical Activity and access the Edad con Salud cohort website.