The association between living conditions and physical activity of community-dwelling older residents in Shanghai / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To examine the association between living conditions and physical activity of older adults in Shanghai communities, and to explore the impact of living alone on different types and intensities of physical activity.Methods:Participants included randomly recruited older adults aged 60 and above in the Hongqiao, 2nd Shimen Road and Weifang communities in Shanghai.The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly(PASE)was used to investigate the physical activity status of participants.The higher the PASE score, the higher the activity level.Results:In terms of physical activity concerning housework and labor and total PASE scores, there were statistically significant differences between those living alone and those not living alone[50.00(35.00)points vs.80.00(55.00)points, 85.80(67.23)points vs.110.80(75.18)points, Z=1.984, 2.102, P=0.047, 0.036]. After adjusting for sex, age, and body mass index, binary Logistic regression analysis showed that living alone was associated with low levels of housework physical activity( OR=2.56, 95% CI 1.26-5.07, P=0.009). Conclusions:For older adults in Shanghai communities, living alone is associated with lower physical activity levels, especially physical activity involving housework.It is necessary to promote the physical activity level and a positive attitude toward exercise for older adults living alone to maintain a satisfactory level of physical health.