Physical Activity and Mental Health Outcomes Among Elderly Residents of Government Care Homes in Ogun State

Physical activity is an evidence-based protective factor against depression and cognitive decline in older adults, yet sedentary behavior is common among elderly residents of institutional care settings in Nigeria. This study examines the relationship between physical activity levels and mental health outcomes among elderly residents in government-managed care homes in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional design will recruit 120 residents aged 60 and above from four care homes in Abeokuta and Sagamu using total enumeration. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Elderly (IPAQ-E) will assess activity levels, while the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) will evaluate depression and cognitive function respectively. Descriptive and Pearson correlation analyses will examine relationships. Literature on elderly mental health in Nigerian institutional settings is sparse, and this study will address that gap by providing data relevant to geriatric psychiatry services and care home programming in Ogun State. Recommendations will be directed at the state social welfare department and geriatric health policymakers. Keywords: physical activity, mental health, elderly, care homes, Ogun State