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The Association between Physical Activity and Anxiety in Aging: A Comparative Analysis
Estelio Henrique Martin Dantas1, Olivia Andrade Figueira1, Alan Andrade Figueira2
1Laboratorio de Biociencias da Motricidade Humana (LABIMH), Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Enfermagem e Biociencias (PPGEnfBio), Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro 20270-004, Brazil.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 12, 2023
Summary
Regular physical activity significantly reduces anxiety in older adults. Engaging in exercise is linked to lower anxiety levels, suggesting its importance for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The global aging population necessitates understanding factors influencing mental well-being in older adults.
- Physical activity is increasingly recognized for its potential role in managing anxiety among the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare anxiety levels in older adults who engage in physical activity versus those who do not.
- To identify the association between physical activity and anxiety in an elderly population.
Main Methods:
- An observational, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted with 690 older adults in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Data collection involved sociodemographic questionnaires, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Baecke-Old Physical Activity Inventory.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of physical activity and other variables on anxiety.
Main Results:
- 84% of the participants were physically active, with anxiety levels distributed as 26% without, 35% mild, 21% moderate, and 18% severe.
- A significant difference in anxiety levels was observed between active and sedentary older adults.
- Only physical activity was found to be significantly associated with anxiety levels in the studied population.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity demonstrates a strong influence (98% certainty) on anxiety levels in older adults.
- More active individuals exhibit a lower likelihood of developing anxiety.
- Further research with diverse study designs is recommended to explore this relationship further.
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