The Reciprocal Relationship of Physical Capacity and Mental Health: A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model Analysis

This study investigates the mutual influence of mental health and physical capacity in older adults, considering potential gender differences. Data from 7,504 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ from the NHATS 2011-2015 surveys were analyzed using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model in Mplus. Results revealed moderate within-person effects of physical capacity on mental health (beta t12 = -.19, beta t23 = -.32, beta t34 = -.42, beta t45 = -.40), while the reverse relationship showed smaller effects (beta t12 = -.02, beta t23 = -.03, beta t34 = -.03, beta t45 = -.02). Gender differences emerged, with the influence of mental health on physical capacity being significant in men but not women. Additionally, correlations between changes in physical capacity and mental health were stronger for men. Lastly, lagged effects of physical capacity on mental health were notably stronger than the reverse. The findings suggest that enhancing physical capacity may alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults, particularly men.