The Effect of Physical Activity on Loneliness in the Elderly

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the level of physical activity and loneliness in older adults and to examine the relationship between these variables. The sample size of the study consists of 137 older adults. The mean age of the participants is 70,12±3,32. It was determined that 71.5% of the elderly individuals were in the physically inactive (<600 MET-min/week) group. The mean score of the loneliness scale of the elderly was found to be 15.93 ± 2.00. The mean score of the loneliness scale of those who were not physically active (inactive) was found to be higher than the mean score of the loneliness scale of those with a low level of physical activity, and the difference was found to be statistically significant. As a result, it was determined that elderly individuals who do not engage in physical activity have a higher mean score on the loneliness scale.