Análise dos efeitos de um programa de intervenção psicológica nos índices de stress, ansiedade e depressão em idosos fisicamente ativos

Abstract

World Health Organization defines the term Quality of Life (QOL) as a search forharmony on the physical, psychological and social aspects. It is the absence of certainsymptoms and/or behaviors that can interfere on the adaptation of a person to a newsituation. This adaptation process happens in a more abrupt way when comparingelderly with youths. It is perceived in Brazil a lack of attention to the QL of elderly, at thesame time that this population is in a progressive increase. The aim of this study was toanalyze the effects of a psychological intervention program on the QL of elderlyphysically active individuals, through the levels of stress, depression and anxiety. Thestudy also compared the results with groups of sedentary people. The Beck Inventorywas utilized for depression and anxiety. An inventory of stress symptoms was also used.The psychological program was elaborated according to the test results and consisted of20 sessions, when the tests were reapplied and a follow up application one month after.The sample was composed of 60 voluntary people distributed in experimental, controland placebo group. Significant improvement was found on the active group thatreceived psychological support. On the placebo and control group (both active) that hadno psychological support the alterations were low. On the sedentary group and on thegroup without intervention there were no significant alterations on the results. We canconclude that the regular practice of physical activity combined with psychologicalsupport brings important benefits for the QOL of elderly people more than when workedseparated. It confirms the need of a permanent program utilizing a bio-psycho-socialapproach.