Background and Aim: 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.
Materials and Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: 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.