The Comparison of Depression, Anxiety and Stress between Active and Inactive Old Women in Isfahan

Aging is a stage of human life which is naturally companied by reducing physical and psychological abilities. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent aging disorders. Exercise and movement postpone aging processes. The elderly who exercise have better health and vitality. Considering the importance of life quality in these ages, this study compared depression, anxiety and stress between active and inactive old women. The research method was Descriptive Comparative. Statistical population was the old women who attend in Isfahan parks to exercise, as well as old women who attend to spend leisure time without any activity. Convenience sampling was used to select 170 old women as statistical sample. Personal information and activity and medical experiences interviews, demographic questionnaire and depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS, Lovibond & Lovibond,1995) were used. The independent t-test was applied to compare depression, anxiety and stress between active and inactive old women. The results showed that depression, anxiety and stress are significantly different between active and inactive old women, and active old women compared to inactive ones have less depression, anxiety and stress. According to these results, exercise and physical activity can help old women reducing depression, anxiety and stress, and be applied as an effective complementary method along with other common curative interventions to reduce depression, anxiety and stress.