The relationship between regular physical activity with spiritual intelligence and psychological well-being among the elderly in Tehran

This study aimed to examine the relationship between regular physical activity with spiritual intelligence and psychological well-being among the elderly in Tehran.
The study adopted a cross-sectional design. The study population included all the seniors (over 60 years old) living in Tehran. In total, 200 participants were selected through purposive convenience sampling. Data were collected using King’s Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire. Pearson product moment correlation and linear regression were employed for data analysis. All ethical issues were observed in this study and the researchers declared no conflict of interests.
The obtained results indicated a significant positive relationship between spiritual intelligence (and all its subscales) and regular physical activity (P≥ 0.05). Furthermore, three subscales of psychological well-being (namely individual growth, positive communications with others, and self-acceptance) significantly correlated with regular physical activity (P≥ 0.05). It was also found that seniors’ spiritual intelligence and psychological well-being were measurably interrelated (P≥ 0.05).
Given that regular physical activity has a positive relationship with spiritual intelligence and some of the subscales of psychological well-being, it is recommended that the elderly should be involved in regular physical activity to promote their health.