Abstract
Effects of physical exercises on physical, mental and social functions of elderly people were investigated. Elderly people (N=16) in need of support participated in a randomized crossover study twice weekly for 8 weeks. Results indicated significant improvements in the Geriatric Depression Scale scores and in the gait duration in the Timed Up and Go Test for the group that implemented physical exercises. Moreover, a correlation was observed between improvements in physical functions after the intervention with physical, psychological and social functioning of frail elderly people. These results suggest that appropriate physical exercises for elderly people who are need of support were effective for improving their physical and mental functions. In addition, physical exercises were more effective for improving physical, psychological, and social functioning of frail elderly people.
