Movement as therapy an analytical study of the role of physical activity in building strong mental health for older adults

Bibliographic Data

ID22070286
AuthorsAnwar Al-Nuaim (0009-0005-5777-2233, King Faisal University), Ahmed K Hassan (0000-0003-4429-5376, King Faisal University)
Year2026
Volume14
Pages1797406-1797406
Publication date2026-04-10
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1797406
PMID42040142
OpenAlexW7153218411
LanguageEN
References cited28

Background Healthy aging and community well-being are the priorities of Egypt Vision 2030; hence, the need to promote non-pharmacological approaches to mental health among the older adults. This paper examines how physical activity can be used as a form of therapy in improving the mental health and quality of life of older adults who attend sports clubs in EL Minya, Arab Republic of Egypt, using the notion of movement as therapy. Methods A cross-sectional, quantitative research design was used, and a sample of 422 older adults (aged ≥60 years) was used. The participants took a questionnaire in a structured form (Arabic version of DASS-21 to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress) and the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA). The data were reviewed on descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression to determine the relation between the level of physical activity and mental health outcomes, and the results were adjusted by age. Results It was found that almost one-third (31) of the respondents did not have any physical activity, and the remaining 69.2% participated in different levels of physical activity weekly. The most common was walking (92.4%). The level of mental health symptoms was also much lower in the highly active group; that is, individuals who exercised 10 h/week or more had a mean DASS-21 of 12.3 (normal) versus 34.2 among inactive ones (clinically significant distress). The relationship between dose and response was evident (all p < 0.001). Conclusion The level of exercise was the strongest negative predictor of psychological distress ( β = 0.41, p < 0.001) and could predict 23 percent of the variance of the DASS-21 scores ( F = 31.28, p < 0.001). The results justify the inclusion of customized and socially entrenched movement initiatives, especially walking and light aerobic activities, in national aging and mental health policies. This initiative can make physical activity not a personal habit but a civic intervention, both dignified, resilient, and mentally healthy aging, in accordance with Egypt Vision 2030

Descriptive research · Descriptive statistics · Mental health · Older people · Physical activity · Physical health · Physical Activity and Health · Sport Psychology and Performance · Sports and Physical Education Research

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