A Dutch cohort study of 65,454 adults over four years found that replacing TV time with other daily activities reduces the risk of major depressive disorder. Using the Lifelines population data and depression diagnosis by the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), researchers reported that swapping one hour of TV for other activities lowered depression risk by 11% overall; replacing 90–120 minutes reduced risk up to 26%. The benefit was strongest in middle-aged adults (40–65): a 1-hour swap cut risk by 19%, 90 minutes by 29%, and 2 hours by 43%. Replacing TV with sports showed the largest protective effect (e.g., 30 minutes of sport instead of TV reduced risk by 18%), while substituting household chores made little difference. Workplace/school activity (10%), leisure/commute activity (8%), and extra sleep (9%) were also linked to modest reductions. Older adults only benefited from increased exercise, and young adults showed no clear effect—possibly because they already have higher activity levels. The researchers suggest that reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity, especially sports, is a practical strategy to help prevent depression, particularly for middle-aged people.
