Comparison of levels of anxiety and depression among active and sedentary elderly

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The anxiety and depression are a public health problem in the elderly. Currently some studies have been shown a positive association between physical activity and good mental health. OBJECTIVE: To compare the possible relationship between levels of anxiety and depression among active and sedentary elderly. METHODS: The sample comprised a total of 72 patients divided into one group of 38 elderly subjects (GS) and another group of 34 physically assets (GA). These answered a questionnaire with socio-demographic characteristics and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: The variables that influenced the presence of anxiety and depression were the level of physical activity (p < 0,001) and the level of instruction (p < 0,01). The GS showed 38 more probability to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression and subjects without qualifications had 11 more probability to develop these symptoms. For the GS 35 (92,1%) patients had levels of anxiety or depression and 3 (7,9%) did not. In GA, the presence of anxiety or depression were observed only in 8 (23,5%) and the remaining 26 (76,5%) revalidates not any kind of these symptoms (p < 0,05). DISCUSSION: Practicing physical activity may represent a very important factor to reduce levels of anxiety and depression in elderly.