Differential impacts of job-related vs leisure-related physical activity on depressive and cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly adults

BACKGROUND While several studies have explored the relationship among physical activity (PA), depressive symptoms, and cognitive health, the distinct effects of PA performed for occupational vs recreational purposes remain underexplored. AIM To investigate the differential impacts of job-related vs leisure-related physical activities on depressive symptoms and cognitive function among adults aged 45 years and older in China. METHODS Data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, encompassing 16476 participants. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination. PA was categorized by purpose (job-related vs leisure-related) and intensity (vigorous, moderate, and low), with frequency and duration measured in metabolic equivalent hours per day. An external validation using an independent clinical sample (n = 200) was conducted. RESULTS Vigorous-intensity PA for job demands (JVPA) was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms [P = 0.011, odds ratio (OR) = 1.003], indicating that high-intensity job-related activities may exacerbate mental health issues. Moderate-intensity PA for entertainment or exercise (EMPA) was inversely associated with depressive symptoms (P = 0.030, OR = 0.999), suggesting that moderate-intensity leisure activities can reduce depressive symptoms. For cognitive function, the total PA for job demands was correlated with cognitive decline (P = 0.004, OR = 1.008), with the frequency of JVPA showing a positive association. However, EMPA was linked to reduced cognitive decline (P = 0.018, OR = 0.998). Clinical validation results were consistent with those obtained from the database, further supporting the reliability of the findings. CONCLUSION JVPA exacerbates depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment, whereas EMPA mitigates depression and supports cognitive health. Targeted interventions promoting leisure-related PA may enhance mental and cognitive well-being in older adults.