Leisure activities indirectly affect depression in older chinese adults through activities of daily living and self-rated health

This study aims to explore interrelationships among leisure activities and depression and the mediating roles of activities of daily living (ADL) and self-reported health (SRH) among older adults in China. Data were extracted from 9,893 participants aged 50 and older from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) conducted in 2018. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis were conducted by using SPSS, and the mediating effect was tested using the Process plugin. Leisure activities were negatively correlated with depression (r = − 0.169, P < 0.001), and positively correlated with ADL and SRH (r = 0.223, r = 0.123, P < 0.001). ADL and SRH were negatively correlated with depression (r = − 0.120, − 0.376, P < 0.001). Leisure activities can not only directly and negatively affect depression, but also can indirectly affect depression through positive effects on ADL and SRH. The mediating effect accounts for 30.79% of the total effect. ADL and SRH play mediating roles in the relationship among leisure activities and depression. The participation of elderly people in leisure activities reduces the risk of depression by increasing their level of daily activity ability and perceived health.