DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN THE ELDERLY AND THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS NON-DRUG THERAPY

Abstract

Depression is a serious public health problem and it is estimated that 154 million people worldwide are affected. Depressive symptoms in the geriatric population are associated with a decrease or loss of autonomy, in addition to the worsening of pre-existing pathologies. It is noteworthy that the practice of physical activity has several benefits in the non-drug treatment of the disease. This study aims to understand the process of depression in different Family Health Strategies (FHS) and the impact of physical activity in the treatment of this comorbidity. A literature review was carried out with 15 articles to assess the dynamics of depressive conditions in different FHS's and the benefit of using physical activity as non-medication therapy as an adjunct in their treatment. The articles pointed out similarities in the characteristics of the elderly who participated, with the trends that were observed in other population studies in the country. They analyzed the impact of physical activities as a non-pharmacological treatment of depression and showed that individuals who are more physically active have lower levels of stress and are less likely to develop depression, since they have more self-esteem and greater indications of social interaction due to the practice of activities. It is concluded that physical activity as non-pharmacological adjuvant treatment has promising benefits in the area, with evidence of improved mood, functionality, sociability and increased self-esteem, but further longitudinal studies are still needed to better analyze what type exercise, time and frequency.