Effect of physical activity in depression and quality of life of ederly

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity can improve depression symptoms and quality of life of its practitioners. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical activity in relation to depression and quality of life in the elderly. Methods: The evaluation of depression was applied and the Beck Depression Inventory to assess quality of life, Instrument Whoqol Breef in 40 subjects, divided into two groups, practicing and non-practicing physical activity. Results: Mean age was 67 ± 5.8 years with a female predominance. Regarding depression, the practitioner group showed a lower rate than the nondepressed group not practicing. A quality of life analysis showed that this was the best group of practitioners, with a statistically significant areas of environment (p = 0.043) and psychological (p = 0.007).Conclusion: It can be concluded physical activity is beneficial to the quality of life, and can promote improvement in rates of depression in the elderly population