강진영1, 지용석2, 김명화3, 김영표4

서강대학교1, 한서대학교2, 우송대학교3, 제주대학교4

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate self-perceived health statuses and depression levels in 81 elderly subjects through several questionnaires. Methods Subjects were classified into 4 groups: Group A (participating in exercise program 5 days or more a week, male=12, female=7); Group B (participating in exercise program 2~3 days a week, male=14, female=17); Group C (participating in exercise program once a week, male=3, female=10); and Group D (not participating in exercise program, male=7, female=11). All measured data were represented by mean and standard deviation using SPSS package (ver12.0). After frequency analyses and chi-square calculation in general characteristics were performed, one way ANOVA was used to analyze the differences among groups in self-perceived health statuses and depressive levels of the four groups. Then we performed the Scheffe post-hoc method for the confirmation of the differences among the groups. The 5% level of significance was the critical level for acceptance of the study's hypotheses. Results Results were as follows. Groups A and B, Group C, and Group D were rated as 'good', 'fair' and 'bad, respectively, in self-perceived health status. Groups A, B and C were considered 'not depressed' in the total depression points while Group D was considered 'moderately-depressed'. The group participating in an exercise program 2-3 days/wk scored higher than the other groups in psychological health and depressive levels. Conclusions Although exercise is advantageous for the elderly, participating 2-3 days per week seems to bring the greatest benefit for psychological health. (
Korean J Health Promot Dis Prev 2009 ; 9(2):114-121)

Keywords: exercise-participated rate, elderly, self-perceived health status, depression