Exercise to Prevent Depression and Anxiety in Older Hispanics

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Hispanic (self-identified);
2. Age 60+;
3. Minor depression as defined by a primary DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis of minor depressive disorder or subthreshold depression defined as a score ≥ 3 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), OR subthreshold anxiety as defined as a score ≥ 3 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 scale (GAD-2);
4. Absence of episodes of major depression and anxiety disorders for past 12 months (as determined by the MINI);
5. Voluntary informed consent for participation in the study by the participant or by the participant's legally designated guardian or conservator;
6. Medical clearance for participation in an exercise program by a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner;
7. Expect to be resident in Miami for the subsequent 12 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently residing in a nursing or group home;
2. A terminal physical illness expected to result in the death within one year;
3. A diagnosis of dementia, co-morbid diagnosis of dementia, or significant cognitive impairment as indicated by an MMSE score <24;
4. Presence of any axis 1 psychiatric disorder or substance abuse during preceding 12 months;
5. History of psychiatric disorders other than non-psychotic unipolar major depression or anxiety disorder;
6. High suicide risk, i.e., intent or plan to attempt suicide in the near future (a response of "yes" to questions 3, 4, and/or 5 on the Paykel Questionnaire);
7. Participants taking cognitive enhancing medication or psychotropic medications (e.g. antidepressants);
8. unable to complete 400 m walk test in less than 15 min;
9. if participant heart rate exceeded 170 beats per minute OR systolic blood pressure exceeds 180 during 400 m walk test;
10. chest or leg pain, dyspnea, dizziness, feeling faint, or other significant symptoms while completing 400 m walk test;

(i) acute or severe medical illness that would prevent participants from walking at a moderate pace for 45 minutes, three times a week.