Physical activity and loneliness among adults aged 50 years or older in six low‐ and middle‐income countries

Abstract

Introduction Loneliness is widespread and associated with deleterious outcomes in middle‐aged and older age people in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Physical activity is one potential psychosocial strategy with the potential to reduce loneliness in this population. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore associations between physical activity (PA) and loneliness in middle‐aged and older people from six LMICs. Materials and methods Data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) were analyzed. Self‐reported data on loneliness and PA (as assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) were collected. Participants were dichotomized into those who do and do not meet the international recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA per week. Associations between loneliness and PA were examined using logistic regressions. Results Among 34 129 individuals aged 50 years or older, the prevalence of loneliness was higher among those not meeting the PA guidelines in all countries, although this difference was not significant in Mexico and South Africa. After full adjustment, not meeting PA guidelines was positively associated with loneliness in the meta‐analysis based on country‐wise estimates, with a moderate level of between‐country heterogeneity being observed (OR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.61; I2 = 48.7%). At an individual country level, statistical significance was only reached in Ghana (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.44‐2.49). Discussion Our data suggest that physical inactivity and loneliness commonly co‐occur in adults aged 50 years or older in LMICs overall but that this association differs by country. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and investigate potential mechanisms that may inform future interventions.

Social isolation, social support, loneliness and cardiovascular disease risk factors: A cross‐sectional study among older adults

“…Our findings are aligned with previous research that has linked social support with increased physical activity, 36 and loneliness with physical inactivity. 37 However, one study only identified greater social isolation to be cross-sectionally associated with reduced daily physical activity and sedentary behaviour among 267 participants aged 50-81 years. 38 Notably, daily physical activity was an objective measure in that study, 38 -1801…”

“…compared to our subjective assessment of physical activity.One study conducted in six low-and middle-income countries, links loneliness with physical inactivity among 34,129 adults aged ≥50 years, demonstrating an overall association between loneliness and physical inactivity 37. Social isolation and cardiovascular disease risk factors in the study cohort = and N = 5366 for women and men respectively for all CVD factors, excluding physical activity, where N = 6043 and N = 5297 for women and men respectively.Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; CVD, cardiovascular disease; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoprotein.…”

Regular Physical Activities and Related Factors among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Jinan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The results of some studies on the associations between RPA and other demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status and income status were inconsistent in different countries [ 41 ]. For example, one study showed no significant association between age and physical activity level [ 20 ], while another study showed that physical activities of older adults had a negative relationship with age [ 42 ].…”

Physical activity, health and well-being among a nationally representative population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults in India, 2017–2018

“…Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted by age group, education, marital status, subjective socioeconomic status, place of residence, food insecurity, tobacco use status, alcohol use, and body mass index. Confounders were selected based on previous literature review [ 4 , 6 , 11 , 20 ]. P < 0.05 was considered as significant, only complete cases were included, and no multi-collinearity was identified.…”

“…Regarding mental health and well-being, studies show that PA reduces fair or poor health [ 2 ], poor mental health [ 1 , 3 ], depression [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], loneliness [ 11 , 12 ], anxiety [ 13 ], and increases life satisfaction and happiness [ 14 ], cognitive function [ 15 , 16 ], and functional ability [ 17 ]. In addition, some studies and a review [ 5 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] showed that PA or exercise improves sleep quality, including among middle-aged and older adults.…”