Journal of

Introduction and Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity, religious beliefs and happiness among older women.

Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among 97 women (including 46 active and 51 inactive elderly) aged more than 55 years old living in the Rasht city. Participants were recruited using simple random sampling method. Women were asked to fill up the Oxford Happiness Inventory Test and the Religious Beliefs Scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18 using Pearson correlation, t-tests and multiple regression analysis.

Findings: The results of this study showed that level of physical activity was significantly (p<0/001) different between active and inactive women. However, there were no significant differences in the practice of religious beliefs and happiness among two groups. The results of correlation analysis showed that there are significant positive correlations (p<0.001) between physical activity, religious beliefs and happiness. Findings from regression analysis showed that religious beliefs predict happiness among women aged more than 55 years old.

Conclusion: Several factors affect physical, psychological and social health status of elderly. Our findings indicated that community interventions should be planned in a way to promote happiness, physical activity and practicing religious beliefs.