Objetive:

To identify the association between lifestyle behaviors and depressive symptoms in older adults between September 2021 and March 2022 in Mexicali, Baja California (Mexico).

Materials and methods:

Transversal and inferential design. One hundred three older adults were selected using a non-probability sampling. Instruments were applied to assess symptoms of depression, nutritional status, physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use, and sleep problems. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. A model was built with lifestyle behaviors. The research was developed based on the regulations in force.

Results:

34 % are at risk of malnutrition; 92.2 % have low physical activity; 9.7 % use tobacco; 15 % drink alcohol; 38.8 % reported having trouble sleeping, and 31.1 % identified symptoms of depression. The older adults at risk of malnutrition or malnutrition showed three times more chance (p < .5) of having depression symptoms compared with those with adequate weight status.

Conclusions:

It is noteworthy that these lifestyle behaviors are modifiable factors that health professionals can intervene with through multicomponent interventions and join efforts to establish care programs that support the improving mental health of older adults.

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