Effects of a Behavioral and Exercise Program on Depression and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Depression is a common mental illness, which can severely affect adults 60 and older and is particularly more frequent in individuals with comorbid conditions (Fiske, Wetherell, & Gatz, 2009). Older adults with depression may experience changes in their level of physical and psychological functioning that may adversely impact their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (Onat, Delialioglu, & Ucar, 2014; Polenick & Flora, 2013; Potter, Ellard, Rees, & Thorogood, 2011; Salguero, Martínez-García, Molinero, & Márquez, 2011). Major depression often leads to suicidal tendencies, which increases the risk of death (Huang et al., 2011). Huang et al. (2011) reported the prevalence of depression in older adults to be between 11.2% and 13.3% in industrialized countries. In Malaysia, the overall prevalence of depression ranges from 3.9% to 46% (Mukhtar & Oei, 2011).