Leisure Programs for Improving Middle-Aged and Older adults’ Depression and Quality of Life: A Meta-Analysis

Engaging in leisure activities might be beneficial for ameliorating older adults’ depression and improving their quality of life. The main purpose was to explore the effectiveness of leisure programs in improving middle-aged and older adults’ depression and quality of life using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Five electronic databases were searched, including EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science. Effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model. Moderator analyses were performed by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. In total, 18 randomized controlled trials were selected for quantitative synthesis. There were significant small to medium effects of leisure programs on improving depression, general quality of life, and physical and mental health. This is the first meta-analytical study to explore middle-aged and older adults’ mental health benefits from leisure programs. Continuous leisure engagement is recommended to improve depression and well-being in mid to later life.