This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and mental resilience among older adults under crisis conditions. Older adults are considered one of the most vulnerable population groups in crisis situations and often face greater physical limitations and psychological pressures. Therefore, identifying factors associated with enhancing their resilience is of particular importance.
This cross-sectional study was conducted using a correlational approach. The study population consisted of adults aged 60 years and older who had experienced exposure to crisis conditions during the study period, including social tensions and perceived threats related to war-like situations in their living environment. A total of 200 older adults were recruited through convenience sampling. Physical fitness was assessed using the standardized Senior Fitness Test battery, and mental resilience was measured using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.
The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between physical fitness and mental resilience among older adults (p < 0.001). In addition, several components of physical fitness—particularly cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength of the limbs, and balance—were associated with higher levels of mental resilience and contributed more strongly to its prediction.
The results suggest that higher levels of physical fitness are associated with greater mental resilience among older adults in crisis situations. These findings highlight the potential importance of maintaining physical fitness and functional capacity as factors related to psychological adaptation in stressful environments. However, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the causal relationships between these variables.