Abstract

Insufficient physical activity is one of the leading factors which affect the increased mortality rate. Physical activity is recommended to everyone because of the benefits it provides, when it comes to physical and mental health. Namely, a large number of researches have indicated that there is a certain correlation between physical activity and the level of depression in people. The aim of the current research is to determine the relationship between the level of depression and the frequency of physical activity, as well as the gender differences that exist in the physically activity, and which gender is more prone to depression. The sample in the current research consists of 355 respondents which filling out online questionnaires. Data were processed in the SPSS program. The results showed that with increasing physical activity, the level of depression in people decreases, and vice versa. It was also found that men are more physically active than women, and that women are more prone to depression. The implications of the research are reflected in emphasizing physical activity as one of the effective ways of coping with depression in general, as well as the raising awareness among people about the importance engaging in physical activity.

Keywords: Physical activity; Depression; Mortality; Gender differences