Physical Activity, Depression and Anxiety Among the Elderly

The aim of this study was to compare by sex, physical activity, and academic qualifications the symptomatology of depression among elders. The sample consisted of 140 elderly, 70 elements were male and 70 female, aged over 62 years. The instruments used to assess the dependent variables were the Scale of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity, the Beck Depressive Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Significant gender effects were obtained demonstrating that those who practiced physical activity had lower rates of depression and anxiety. Comparisons showed that women had higher values than men. At the level of educational attainment it was found that individuals with lower level of education tended to have higher values for both depression and anxiety. Finally, a significant correlation was identified between physical activity, depression and anxiety, and for trait anxiety, however this correlation was not statistically significant. It was concluded that physical activity is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.