Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the current status of physical exercise of older adults and its effect on depression.Methods270 subjects from three living strata(public,community and hospital) were randomly investigated by the Geriatric Depression Scale-short form(GDS-s) and the self-designing Geriatric Exercise Scale.ResultsOlder adults had a higher risk of suffering from depression.There were significant differences between attitudes and prevalence rates among the subjects in three environments.Exercises had significant influence on older adults' depression,with the more negative attitude,less frequency,shorter exercising time,less companions,worse feeling after doing exercises,the more serious of one's depression.The demographic variables had also significant influence on both exercise and depression of older adults.ConclusionDoing exercise is one of the important measures to prevent,reduce and overcome depression of older adults.

Key words: older adults, physical exercise, depression, intervention