Psychologic issues. Elderly are affected by depression more commonly than the rest of the population. One cardinal
feature of depression is anhedonia, a lack of interest or pleasure, which affects one’s ability to initiate activities, including
physical activity. Also, elderly persons suffer disproportionately more personal loss than the remainder of the population,
including loss of spouse, friends, or family members, all of which contributes to an inclination to remain sedentary. The
loss of a spouse, close friends, or relatives not only has a direct psychologic impact on person but also affects one’s social
support structure. These people often act as a physical activity partner and, as such, are a critical element of motivation.