A cross-sectional study on the associations between physical activity and anxiety, depression, and stress in older adults

Population aging represents one of the major global challenges of the twenty-first century. Anxiety, depression and stress are highly prevalent conditions that contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among older adults, physical inactivity combined with stress has been associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) older adults who accumulate at least 150 min of moderate-intensity per week are classified as physically active. To analyze levels of anxiety, depression, and stress according to physical activity status among older adults. This cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical ex post facto study included a sample of community-dwelling older adults of both sexes. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising sociodemographic information and validated instruments, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Baecke Questionnaire Modified for Older Adults (Baecke -Old). The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). The sample comprised 599 older adults (312 sedentary and 287 physically active) predominantly women, aged 60–64 years, married, living with family members, and with higher education attainment. Physically active participants exhibited lower levels of stress and depression compared with sedentary individuals. No statistically significant differences were observed for anxiety. In the sedentary group, significant positive correlations were identified between stress and anxiety, stress and depression, and anxiety and depression ( p < 0.05). In the physically active group, a significant positive correlation was observed between anxiety and stress ( p < 0.05). Physical Activity is associated with lower levels of stress and depression among older adults, reinforcing its role as a protective factor for mental health and healthy aging. The clustering of psychological distress variables, particularly among sedentary individuals, highlights the importance of promoting active lifestyle as a strategy to mitigate mental health burden in this population.