A study of regular exercise, social support and depression in the community‐dwelling older people.

Aims: This study aims to explore the relationship between regular exercise, social support and depression in community‐dwelling older people and find out the predictors of depression. Methods: Cross‐sectional and correlation designs were used. The participants were recruited from August to October in 2020. The STROBE was used as a checklist for this study. Results: The study found that female gender, older age, poor sleep quality, irregular exercise and low social support were the main predictors of depression among the community‐dwelling older people. Conclusion: It is suggested that healthcare professionals motivate the older people to exercise regularly in the community using individualized exercise routines designed according to their physical conditions such as different types, frequencies and intensity of exercise. Providing social support to each other at the community care site should be encouraged, and regular assessment of the mental health of community‐dwelling older people should be done. It is also recommended to organize a timely depression‐related education course for older people in the community. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? In older people depression can lead to further physical and psychological problems. What this paper adds? This study provides information about regular exercise, social support and depression in community‐dwelling older people.Female gender, older age, poor sleep quality, irregular exercise and low social support were the main predictors of depression among these community‐dwelling older people. The implications of this paper for policy/practice/research/education It is suggested that healthcare professionalss motivate older people to exercise regularly in the community care site using individualized exercise routines designed according to their physical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]