Comparison of mental health and quality of life in active and non active elder's female in west region of Tehran

Abstract

Introduction: The elder people are the rising population groups of the present societies, who based on the age pyramid, have acquired a daily increasing attention. In this case, every decision making and scheduling concerning this issue needs detailed, subjective and scientific based recognition. Thus, the purpose of this study was the Comparison of mental health and quality of life in Active and non-active Elder's female in west region of Tehran. Method: This was a retrospective study. Through randomly sampling method, the statistical sample of this research encompassed a group of 280 (140 active and 140 non-active) elder female with an age range of 60 to 85 years, half of whom were active physically and the other half lacked physical activity. The research tools included the questionnaires for personal characteristics, the Yale physical activity, Goldberg Mental health questionnaire and Leipard quality of life questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Multivariate ANOVA method. Results: The results showed that levels of mental health and quality of life were higher in active elders than non-active elders. Active female elders were significantly higher in mental health and quality of life than their non-active female counterparts. Conclusion: Regarding the results, mental health and quality of life are related meaningfully indicating that elder people should be considered with programs as vulnerable group. The researchers suggest health authorities to provide this group with programs and facilities for promotion of their physical functioning, and also suggest prospective studies to be conducted in this issue.