The Effect of Physical Activity Level of the Elderly on Depression and Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective: The effect of physical activity level of the elderly on depression and quality of life was investigated in the study. Methods: This study was planned as a descriptive relational study. The study was carried out with individuals registered in a Family Health Center located in Selçuklu district of Konya province. It was collected from 154 elderly people who met the inclusion criteria of the study between February 1 and February 20, 2022 via Google Forms and face-to-face survey method. In the collection of data; Personal information form prepared by the researchers, questioning sociodemographic characteristics, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Beck Depression Scale and SF 36 Quality of Life Scale were used. The results were evaluated at 95% confidence interval and p<0.05 significance level. Results: When the physical activity questionnaire, depression and quality of life levels of the elderly were evaluated, it was seen that 69.5% were physically inactive (inactive) and 30.5% had low physical activity levels (Low active). When the depression level of the elderly was evaluated, it was seen that 33.1% had mild depression, 42.9% had moderate depression and 24% had severe depression. The mean score of the mental sub-dimension of quality of life of the elderly was 35.0 ± 10.25 and the mean score of the physical sub-dimension was 35.18 ± 8.40. Conclusions: In the study examining the effects of depression and quality of life on physical activity levels in the elderly, men, single people, those who perceive their income poorly and those with chronic diseases were included in the risk group in terms of physical activity.