Effects of distinct physical activity and meditation programs on quality of life and depression levels in active elderly women

Abstract

Sedentary aging can evolve to depression which interferes both qualitatively and quantitatively on elderly’s quality of life. The present study compared quality of life and depression levels between sedentary and active elderly women. For this, a correlational ex post facto study was employed, the sample was divided in four groups: dance group (DG, n=23; age=70.79±6.36 years-old); weight training group; meditation group and control group. The protocols used in evaluations were World Health Organization Quality of Life Group-old questionnaire (quality of life) and Beck Depression Inventory (depression). In multiple comparisons the results found were satisfying (p<0.05) in dom2, dom3, QVG, dom1 and dom4 variables. Depression also revealed satisfying results: DGxCG (IC=-48.00,-8.86), WGxCG (IC=-53.55,-7.95) and MGxCG (IC=-61.71,-16.11). These results indicate that exercise programs have provoked satisfying results, contributing to better quality of life and depression levels when compared to those presented by the sedentary elderly women.
Key Words:quality of life; depression; weight training; meditation and dance.