Physical Activity, Functional ability, and Chronic Disease in Older Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: Regular physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults but is often affected by chronic diseases and physical impairments. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of chronic disease on physical activity and perceived functional ability in older adults METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to retired non-faculty staff members from a large university with questions on demographics, PA, perceived functional ability (PFA), and health. Participants included 1,091 (53.8% female) older adults (65-98 years, M age=75.47+6.67) Subjects were asked if they had been diagnosed with any of the following chronic conditions: Arthritis, heart trouble (HRT), hypertension (HTN), circulation trouble (CIRC), diabetes, cancer, stroke, asthma, or no medical problems. RESULTS: All subjects reporting a chronic disease had lower PFA, but subjects reporting HTN, diabetes, cancer, or stroke had PA levels similar to those reporting no medical problems. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects reporting any chronic disease had lower PFA. However, subjects reporting HTN, diabetes, or cancer were able to maintain PA better than other chronic diseases.Table