Effect of Outdoor Physical Activity (Green Exercises) on Mental Health and Cognitive Status of the Elderly During the Corona Virus Pandemic

The elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups facing coronavirus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of green exercises on mental health and cognitive status of the elderly during the coronavirus.

This quasi-experimental and applied study was conducted on the elderly aged 60-75 years in Tabriz. The data were collected using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The experimental group performed green exercise based on the exercise program (three 60-minute sessions per week during 8 weeks). The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

The results showed that green exercises had a significant effect on the mental health and cognitive status of the elderly. The results of this study indicated a significant improvement in general health and cognitive status of older men after a training period, which was significant compared to the control group.

Based on the results, green exercises can be used as a suitable strategy to increase the physical activity of the elderly as well as improve the mental health and cognitive status of the elderly.