Effects of 12-week Exercise Program on Sleep Quality and Fear of Death in Geriatric Individuals

The effect of regular exercise programs on fear of death in elderly individuals is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of regular aerobic exercise program on tanatophobia and sleep quality in elderly individuals, and to evaluate the relationship between sleep disorder and fear of death.

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals aged 65 and over who volunteered to participate in the study,
• Conscious and without communication problems,
• No orthopedic injury that prevents walking
• Those who are physically inactive according to the International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire
• Those who have sufficient motivation to participate in the exercise program (will be evaluated by a one-on-one interview by the researchers)
• Being eligible to participate in an exercise program after a cardiac examination by a cardiologist (resting ECG and questioning of cardiac symptoms, further examinations such as exercise ECG test if necessary)

Exclusion criteria

• Having a history of neuromuscular disease
• Serious medical condition (eg advanced malignancy or major neurological, psychiatric or endocrine disease, respiratory failure, etc.) that would prevent the person from participating in exercise training.
• Less than 1 year life expectancy
• Having an orthopedic injury that prevents walking
• Presence of advanced sensory deficit
• Having visual and hearing problems
• Not having sufficient communication skills (Mini Mental Test score below 24 points)
• Not having agreed to participate in the study
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Not being found suitable for exercise in the examination performed by physicians and physiotherapists