Depression and level of physical activity in the elderly

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to relate the level of physical activity to the prevalence of depression symptoms in elderly individuals. The study is characterized by a transversal, descriptive and exploratory approach. Sixteen elderly men and women living in the Engenho do Meio neighborhood (Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil) participated in the study, who had to respond voluntarily to the IPAQ questionnaires (International Physical Activity Questionnaire: to measure the level of activity EDG (Geriatric Depression Scale: to measure suspicion of depressive symptoms). It can be inferred that elderly people who have a life "oriented" to the practice of regular physical activity may be less likely to develop depressive symptoms, and as a consequence, less chance of using drugs to treat depression. There is a protective effect of physical activity on the incidence of depressive symptoms, which is an aid in prevention and treatment, but not a way to shield the individual against depression.