Abstract
There is a positive association between physical activity (PA) and improved health in older adults. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of meeting recommended levels of PA among older adults with multimorbidity. Data has been derived from the nationally representative Scottish Health Surveys (2014–2017). A sub-sample of 2230 older adults (aged 65+) with multimorbidity were the study participants. Physical activity was evaluated using current recommended guidelines. Overall, 32.3% of the participants met the recommended levels of PA. Independent predictors of meeting the recommended levels of PA include male gender [odds ratio (OR) 2.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.58–2.54)], living in the least deprived areas [OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.20–2.69)]; being a non-smoker [OR 2.22 (95% CI 1.48–3. 34)]. Also, meeting recommended PA decreased with age [OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.94)] and body mass index [OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.91–0.95]; but increased per additional portion of fruit and vegetables taken [OR 1.19 (95% CI 1.12–1.25)] and with increase in well-being scale score [OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.06)]. Adherence to PA guidelines seems to be more related to age, BMI, gender (i.e. higher PA adherence in men vs. women), social support (i.e. social deprivation), dietary habits (i.e. fruit and vegetable intake) and social isolation among the elderly. In the one-third of older population, adherence to PA was associated to better mental health. Therefore, adaptation of PA guideline to suit theses determinants factors would reduce the gap difference among older adults with multimorbidity and enhance their mental well-being.
Highlights
The average life expectancy is increasing over the last three decades [1]
Of the total 5106 adults aged 65 years and over [2287 men (44.8%) and 2819 women (55.2%)], who participated in the 2014–2017 period, total numbers of valid samples that have been used in this analysis were 2230 who have two or more morbidities
We found that belonging to the less-deprived socioeconomic groups was an independent predictor of meeting the recommended level of physical activity (PA) among older adults with multimorbidity surveyed
Summary
The average life expectancy is increasing over the last three decades [1]. This has led to a rise in the number of people living with chronic diseases or health conditions and the number of years lived with disability [1,2]. Multimorbidity would seem a relatively straightforward term, denoting the co-existence of two or more chronic health conditions in an individual and it is an important global challenge [3]. A survey in the United Kingdom has shown that multimorbidity accounts for one-third of all consultations in general practice [5]. The World Health Survey carried out between 2002 and 2004 showed that about
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
