Abstract:

Abstract Objective: to identify and compare the presence of anxiety and depression in the elderly according to regular physical exercise. Methods: quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional study, carried out with the elderly in a Basic Health Unit, between April and September/2019. The following tools were used: sociodemographic data form and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using the T Test for independent samples. Results: 23 elderly people were interviewed in the exercise group and 40 in the control group. There was a predominance of females, between 60 and 69 years old, white, retired or pensioners, who lived with someone else and with incomplete elementary education for both groups. Anxiety and depression scores were higher in the control group (means = 7.47 and 7.65, respectively) compared to the exercise group (means = 5.43 and 4.17, respectively), with a statistically significant difference (p<0 .05). Conclusion: regular physical exercise can help prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression in the elderly.

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