The Effect of Physical Activity on Depression in the Elderly with an Emphasis on the Mediating Role of Social Capital

The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of physical activity on depression in the elderly considering the mediating role of social capital. This study is an applied research in terms of purpose and a descriptive-correlational one based on structural equation modeling in terms of data collection methods. The statistical population of the study was all the elderly over 55 years old in Qom who had continuous physical activity and exercise. The sample consisted of 203 people who were selected through purposive sampling. In order to measure the variables, Karimiyan’s (1396) physical activity participation rate, Nahapiet and Ghoshal’s (1998) social capital, and Beck’s (1972) depression questionnaires were used. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed based on a survey of 12 sports management professors, while their reliability coefficients were found through Cronbach's alpha to be 0.83, 0.87, and 0.79, respectively, using a pilot test. The findings of the study obtained through structural equation modeling showed that physical activity has a negative and significant effect on the elderly depression rate through the mediating role of social capital. As a result, social capital might effectively reduce the elderly depression rate by increasing social relationships, social support, and social trust obtained through participation in sports activities.