Effect of a regular exercise program on self-consistency and life satisfaction among elderly in Gorgan and Gonbad (2011)

Introduction and Self-consistency is an important aspect of adaptation in all stages of life particularly in aging. Furthermore، self-consistency is associated with mental health and life satisfaction and its reduction can lead to several psychological problems. On the other hand، exercise is able to improve flexibility، cognitive function، psychological adjustment and performance. Therefore، the aim of this study was to determine the effect of a regular exercise program on self-consistency and life satisfaction. In this experimental study، 48 elderly from elderly day care centers were selected using convenience sampling and then randomly divided into control (n = 24) and case (n = 24) groups. The current study was conducted by Solomon design. The cases performed regular physical exercise for four weeks composes of 16 sessions and every single session takes for 15 to 25 minutes. However، the control group followed the routine program that was offered by the day care centers. Data was collected by two questionnaires including demographic characteristics and Rosenberg and Diener scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential (Two-way ANOVA) statistics. The results of this study showed that mean score of self-consistency as well as life satisfaction were higher in cases rather than controls. The results of Two-Way ANOVA after adjustment for the effect of pre-test in cases and controls showed that there is a significant difference in the mean score of self-consistency (p<0. 001) and life satisfaction (p<0. 05) among elderly with the regular exercise program. Regular exercise has significant effects on elderly’s self-consistency and life satisfaction. Therefore، regular exercise programs in elderly care centers can serve as a way to increase quality of life and promote health of elderly. It is recommend to integrate regular exercise programs into other elderly health care interventions.