Background: Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to adverse mental health consequences, such as depression, among older adults. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of lower depression scores in older adults living under lockdown.
Methods: 1,123 older Brazilian adults were cross-sectionally assessed for depression, physical activity (PA), pet ownership (dogs, cats, and birds), ability to make video calls, leaving home during lockdown, and not living alone. The statistical procedures included linear regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: After adjusting for age, sex, and race, moderate to vigorous PA (β = -0.014, p < .001), it was found that PA (β = -0.905, p < .001) and dog ownership (β = -0.545, p = .004) were associated with lower depression. No association was observed between depression and other conditions.
Conclusions: With the likelihood of subsequent COVID-19 waves, remotely delivered PA programs might be a strategy to counteract the negative psychological effects of lockdown on older adults.
Keywords: confinement; mental disorders; pandemic; physical activity.