Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate general physical activity (PA) level on the basis of leisure time and transportation physical activity (LTPA and TPA), assess the percentage of persons not meeting PA recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and evaluate the relationship between selected sociodemographic factors and physical inactivity. Methods The paper is based on data (n = 7,347) retrieved from five large-scale surveys (2014-2018) used to collect information on the PA of Polish society. In order to meet the aim of the paper, we selected a sample of 2,023 Poles aged ≥ 60 years old. In each wave, the Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to investigate the differences between the types and volume of PA and sociodemographic variables. Relationships between physical inactivity and analysed variables were evaluated using log-linear analysis. To capture relationships between physical inactivity and a set of explanatory variables, a predictive model was built. Results The total average energy expenditure amounted to 1879.5 ± 2352.5 MET-min/week, including LTPA (938.5 ± 1491.9 MET-min/week) and TPA (944.8 ± 1322.4 MET-min/week). Over the course of the last two years of the study, the average value of MET-min/week increased significantly (p < 0.05); however, prohealth WHO norms are not met by nearly 40% of Poles. Sex determines the volume of LTPA and TPA (p < 0.05) but does not determine the inactivity of seniors. Place of residence and education differentiate participation in LTPA and TPA. The lower the education level and the smaller the place of residence, the greater the inactivity. Conclusions The target for future interventions should be people aged 60+ living in villages and small towns (especially those with primary education). It is necessary to undertake educational and motivational programmes promoting PA. It is essential to develop detailed recommendations and to create a friendly and supportive environment.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is regarded as the fourth leading factor in the risk of global mortality [1]
The conducted analysis revealed that in the studied group of Poles aged ≥ 60, 78.9% undertake some amount of physical activity (PA) (LTPA or Transportation physical activity (TPA)), while 21.1% are completely inactive in this area
Whereas significant differences were noted between men and women (p = 0:008) in their declarations of undertaking LPTA (LTPA only, without TPA) for the benefit of males (1054:9 ± 1574:1ð438:0Þ and 854:6 ± 1424:4ð346:5Þ METmin/week, respectively), especially when it comes to recreational walking (p = 0:018; 685:6 ± 1077:6ð198:0Þ and 540:7 ± 908:8ð99:0Þ MET-min/week, respectively)
Summary
Physical inactivity is regarded as the fourth (behind high blood pressure, tobacco use, and high blood glucose) leading factor in the risk of global mortality [1]. It has been proved that physical activity (PA) can decrease the drop in functional status of these people, enabling them to continue everyday activities by retarding functional limitations, hindering a drop in cognitive functions, and providing space for social interactions [4, 5]. The quality of their lives can be improved by improving physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning [5, 6]. In the case of BioMed Research International older people without dementia, exercise can significantly improve their memory, concentration, and mental processing speed [10], while those suffering from dementia can experience positive effects on their basic everyday life activities and physical functioning [11]
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