Intensity and type of physical activity predicts depression in older adults.

This study examined whether various levels of physical activity among older adults predicted levels of depression and whether there were racial differences in the levels and types of physical activities engaged in by adults aged 50 and older. METHOD: Data from the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed for 2,474 adults aged 50 years and older. Variables of focus were demographics, physical activity and depression, assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Mental Health - Depression Screener. RESULTS: There was a significant positive relationship between income and depression; individuals with higher income had lower levels of depression. Simple linear regression revealed income significantly predicted depression scores, b = -.20, F(1, 2296) = 96.35, p < .001, explaining 4% of the variance, R2 = .04. As age increased, all levels of physical activity declined, regardless of the category. Vigorous recreation-related activity and moderate recreation-related activity each made significant, unique contributions to depression scores. CONCLUSION: Findings from the current study suggest that physical activity interventions should be culturally appropriate and tailored to the needs and abilities of individual older adults to maximize benefits and minimize adverse events, particularly among community dwelling older adults.

Engaging African-Americans in Research in the Era of Precision Medicine: An All of Us Research Program Initiative.

The purpose of this study was to increase awareness about the All of Us Research Program and to engage African-Americans who live in the Deep South in conversations about research. This was a quasi-experimental single group design with pre- and post-tests. Recruitment occurred via social media, radio and television advertisements, and in-person recruitment. A purposive convenience sample was used. Seventy adults (70) participated in the study. The social media campaigns reached 35,000 people. Prior to the study, 21% of participants had heard about the All of Us Research Program. After the event, there was a 10.8% increase in the likelihood of participants' willingness to share information about the program, and a 20% increase in the perception that the program was dedicated to engaging diverse communities in research. African-Americans are still skeptical about participating in research. However, with targeted intervention, many of them are willing to participate in research if it will improve their overall health and well-being.