Physical activity may help ward off depression.

Scientists tracked 4,106 older people  for ten years. Those who reported doing exercise equal to roughly 100 to 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) per week had a 43 percent lower risk of depression than those who did no exercise.

What to do

Walk, bike, dance, swim, golf, play pickleball. Although something else about the people who exercise could explain their lower risk, there’s plenty of evidence that exercise can protect your mental and physical health.