Correlations Between Social Support and Physical Activity with Depression and Happiness in Elderly Women with Memory Impairment

Mental health is a common concern in old age. Given the increase of aging population, it is crucial to pay attention to factors influencing elderly people’s mental health. This research investigated the correlations between social support and physical activity (PA) with depression and happiness in older women with memory impairment.

A descriptive-correlational approach was used in this study. The statistical population consisted of all elderly women (over 65 years old) residing in Golestan province, Iran, between February 2022 and June 2022. The sample included 384 women with mild dementia who were selected through purposive sampling. Research variables were measured using standard instruments. Data analysis was conducted using the Pearson correlation test and regression analysis in SPSS version 26.

The mean and standard deviation of social support, PA, depression, and happiness were 37.59±11.09, 1.06±1.17, 7.29±2.55, and 42.73±10.64, respectively. Regression analysis results demonstrated a negative and significant association between social support and depression (35.1%), while it showed a positive and significant association with happiness (16.5%). Furthermore, PA exhibited a negative and significant association with depression (40.9%) and a positive and significant association with joy (30.4%).

The findings of this study can contribute to the development of more effective health and physical education programs targeting elderly individuals with memory impairment to improve their mental health.