Comparison of general health in elderly athletes and non-athletes during the corona epidemic

The aim of this study was to Comparison of general health in elderly athletes and non-athletes during the corona epidemic. The statistical method for determining the relationship between variables, Spearman correlation coefficient and group comparison was Mann-Whitney U test. 884 elderly constituted the statistical population of the research. 680 elderly non-athletes and 204 elderly athletes were selected as a statistical sample. A 28-item standard public health questionnaire (GHQ) and a researcher-made leisure questionnaire were used to collect data. Mann-Whitney test was performed. The results showed that the average leisure time of the elderly was 3 to 4 hours per day, which in terms of time spent exercising, watching TV, using a computer, extracurricular study, and religious activities, respectively. There is a significant difference between the favorite leisure activities of the elderly athletes and non-athletes in activities such as sports, radio and listening to music. Also, by comparing the mental health of the elderly, the results showed that student-athletes in all mental health scales have better mental health than non-athlete elderly. Participation of the elderly in leisure sports activities to have better mental health should be a priority for those involved.