Relationship between Physical Self-Description, Physical Activity and Mental Health among Community Dwelling Elderly

Abstract

Perception of the physical self may influence physical activity behavior among the elderly. Thus, this study aims to determine the relationship between physical self-description, level of physical activity, and mental health status among 112 community-dwelling elderlies. Participants completed questionnaires assessing physical and global self-description (PSDQ), the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21). Findings showed that physical self-description was associated with physical activity and mental health status. In conclusion, the belief system of the elderly ideally needs to be taken into consideration when designing interventions that aim to enhance physical activity behavior.