The impact of leisure on mental health of Sardinian elderly from the 'blue zone': evidence for ageing well

Background There has been scientific interest in the Sardinia population for a number of years and for a variety of reasons, including its extreme longevity. This is especially prevalent in the central-eastern region of the island, where a blue zone region has been precisely delineated. Aims The present study examines the influence of leisure activities on psychological well-being and depressive symptoms in elderly individuals living in the blue zone region of inner Sardinia. Methods Eighty-three participants were recruited according to strict inclusion criteria to ensure their cognitive and residency status. Individuals were assigned to either old (70-79 years) or very old (>= 80 years) groups, and were administered a test battery to determine their socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, perceived physical health, and self-perceived well-being and depressive symptoms. Results The primary findings indicate that participation in leisure activities positively influenced both self-perceived well-being and depressive symptoms. There was though, a differential impact on different sub-scales of well-being, and moreover, the overall pattern of results suggested primarily an influence on mood states and/or emotion regulation. Conclusions The emerging psychological pattern of results about elders from the Sardinian blue zone region provides insight for the promotion of successful ageing in late adulthood.