Physical exercise, subjective well-being, quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms in a sample of Portuguese elderly

Abstract

The concern over the quality of life, well-being and mental health of the elderly has been evident in the literature, where the regular practice of physical exercise plays a crucial role, particularly considering the demographic ageing of the population. The purpose of this study was to characterise the subjective well-being levels (life satisfaction and positive and negative affect), quality of life, and depressive and anxious symptomology in a sample of Portuguese elders. A comparative analysis of the variables according to the weekly frequency of physical exercise practice was also performed. The associations between the variables were also analysed. A total of 92 Portuguese elders (76,55±9.73 years) were enrolled in the present study. The Portuguese versions of “SWLS”, “PANAS”, “HADS”, and “EUROHIS-QOL-8” were used. The main results showed the existence of significant differences in the variable positive affect (p= 0,01) (elders without physical exercise practice had lower values) and for the variable depressive symptomology (p= 0,01) (elders with a higher frequency of physical exercise practice had lower depressive symptomology). Furthermore, it is noteworthy the correlation between the studied variables (well-being, quality of life, and depressive and anxious symptomology). Subsequently, this study represents an important contribution to the comprehension of the role of regular physical exercise practice, not just for the physical health of the elderly but also for their well-being and depressive and anxious symptomology.