Quality of life and physical activity among older adults living in institutions compared to the community.

Lesego M Ramocha,Muziwakhe D Tshabalala,Quinette A Louw

doi:10.4102/sajp.v73i1.342

Abstract

BackgroundThe environment of older adults plays an important role in their well-being. It influences their quality of life and physical activity level. In South Africa, there is a dearth of literature concerning this issue.MethodsAn analytic cross-sectional sample of 80 older adults living in old age homes and the community was compared in terms of level of physical activity and quality of life. The study was conducted in Soweto, Johannesburg. A computer-generated random sample of older adults aged 60 years and above participated. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and RAND 36 questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. Unpaired t-tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and chi-squared test explored the differences and associations between institutionalised and community living older adults.ResultsQuality of life in old age home dwellers (M = 68.53 ± 19.55) was significantly lower (p = 0.025) than in community dwellers (M = 77.74 ± 16.25). The mean physical activity score was also significantly (p = 0.000) lower in old age home dwellers (M = 20.18 ± 24.52) compared with community dwellers (M = 190.31 ± 82.81).ConclusionOlder adults who live in the community have a higher quality of life and physical activity levels compared with those who live in institutions (old age homes).

Highlights

Geriatric is a medical term that encompasses the health of elderly patients
An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted to measure the level of quality of life and physical activity among older adults living in the community compared with those living in old age homes
Quality of life and levels of physical activity were higher in the community dwellers compared with older people living in old age homes

Summary

Introduction

Geriatric is a medical term that encompasses the health of elderly patients. While no specific age has been set for defining older adults, the general consensus considers the age of 60 years as a cut off (WHO 2015). The number of older adults aged 60 years and above is projected to increase from 841 million people in 2013 to more than 2 billion in 2050 (UN 2013). The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that sub-Saharan Africa’s older adult population will increase from 43 million in 2010 to 67 million in 2025, peaking at 163 million by 2050 (WHO 2013). Joubert and Bradshaw (2005) estimate that the population will continue ageing over the two decades such that older people will account for 10.5% of the total South African population and will number 5 million by 2025. The environment of older adults plays an important role in their well-being. It influences their quality of life and physical activity level. In South Africa, there is a dearth of literature concerning this issue

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion