SINGAPORE: Mid-life women with weak upper and lower body fitness may be more prone to depression and anxiety, a study from Singapore suggests.
Yong and his colleagues studied more than 1,100 women, aged 45 to 69, who had routine gynaecology appointments at the National University Hospital in Singapore. Overall, 180 women, or about 16 per cent, had depressive or anxiety symptoms. Women ages 45 to 54 were more likely to report symptoms. "Our study shows an interesting correlation between the mind and body, indicating that physical strength is closely associated with mental health," Yong said.
Maki, who was not involved with this study, directs the Women's Mental Health Research programme and has researched psychological well-being in mid-life women.