Background and aims: This study examines gender-specific behavioral correlates of depressive symptoms using a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional, population-based sample of older unlike-sex twins.

Methods: Unlike-sex twins aged 69–88 were identified through a national Swedish registry and sent a survey about health, including depressive symptoms (CES-D) and the frequency of engaging in physical, social and mental activities. A total of 605 complete twin pairs responded.

Results: Depressive symptom scores were associated with frequency of engagement in physical and mental activities, but only in men. No statistically significant associations with depressive symptom scores for any of the three types of activities were found in women.

Conclusions: The results suggest that engaging in physical and mental activities may protect older men from developing depressive symptoms, but longitudinal data are needed to offer more conclusive findings on the role that physical, mental, and social activities play in the maintenance of psychological health in older men and women.