Abstract
Physical activity (PA) and exercise are fundamental to maintaining health in older adults. World Health Organization guidelines state that older adults should practice at least 150 min/week of moderate/vigorous intensity PA to obtain health benefits. We assessed PA levels among older adults in southern Italy and evaluated possible associated determinants. The study was carried out between September and November 2019 in the metropolitan area of Bari. We collected information from participants over 65 years using a self-administered questionnaire. We investigated associations between sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and inactivity/PA levels. A total of 383 individuals completed the questionnaire. Mean body mass index indicated that 45.4% of participants were overweight. Mean time spent in PA was 476.2 ± 297.8 min/week, with women reporting lower levels than men (370.8 ± 210 vs. 555.2 ± 334.3 min/week, p = 0.08). Weekly sitting time was positively related to age. Attending religious or recreational activities was related to moderate PA. Educational level was positively associated with PA while dog ownership represented an obstacle to achieving recommended PA levels in our population. Participants generally met the recommended levels of PA, especially men; the educational level was the main determinant. Interventions aimed at promoting PA among older adults with lower education levels and women are needed in this setting.
Highlights
The contribution of physical inactivity to the development of chronic health conditions is widely recognized, and evidence shows that this risk increases with age [1,2]
A total of 383 individuals participated in this study by completing the questionnaire
This study reports the results of a survey investigating physical activity (PA) levels and determinants in a sample of older adults selected from the metropolitan area of a large city in southern Italy
Summary
The contribution of physical inactivity to the development of chronic health conditions is widely recognized, and evidence shows that this risk increases with age [1,2]. Ageing is commonly associated with a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, agility, and balance, as well as in cognitive performance, which together can lead to reduced abilities and independence [3]. The onset of other factors related to physical inactivity, such as high blood pressure, high glucose levels, and overweight/obesity, is common in older adults, leading to an increased risk of mortality and lower quality of life [4,5]. Physical activity (PA) and exercise have been proven as. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1034; doi:10.3390/ijerph17031034 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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