Louisiana Seniors Becoming More Active, New Research Finds

A study from the United Health Foundation estimates that physical inactivity among Louisianans 65 and older has declined by 18 percent, reports KPEL . According to United Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Rhonda Randall, only 31.5 percent of that population now say they are physically inactive. Depression incidence has climbed 43 percent over the last six years, and the study showed a correlation between seniors with chronic illnesses and certain lifestyle activities, and higher depression rates. "Seniors who are using alcohol, who are physically inactive, who are smokers, who are living in poverty, or have less number of years of education have a tendency to have higher rates of depression," Randall concluded.