Path analysis of the relationship between physical activity, social isolation and depression among the elderly during the Covid-19 epidemic

The present study is a quantitative and survey research that has examined the relationship between physical activity, social isolation and depression among the elderly during the Covid-19 epidemic. The statistical population of the elderly (60 years and older) is in Ahvaz city, where 384 people were selected by simple random sampling. Also, the collected data were analytically analyzed using descriptive statistics and tests such as simple regression, correlation coefficients and path analysis using structural equation tests in the form of pls-smart3 and spss software. Based on the background and purpose of the study, it was found that there is no significant relationship between more physical activity and less depression in the elderly during the outbreak of Covid-19 disease. Also, more social isolation leads to more depression. For the method, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, the Depression Scale for the Elderly, and the Promis social Isolation Scale were used. In this regard, path analysis was performed to assess the relationship between physical activity, social isolation, and depression. The results showed that out of 384 surveys conducted, according to the theoretical model of the research, higher social isolation had the highest impact factor on depression in the elderly (0.408). It was also found that the relationship between variables such as age and education with social isolation was not confirmed.