Physical Activity in Older Adults: An Investigation in a Metropolitan Area of Southern Italy

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.

Knowledge and Lifestyle Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Pandemic in People over 65 Years Old from Southern Italy

“…A higher level of knowledge about COVID-19 and preventive measures was related to the female gender, lower age, higher education, and living in a community. The association between healthy habits, a lower age, and a high educational level was also found in a previous study performed to assess the levels of PA among older adults from the same population [24]. The result, related to the place of residence, is of concern because it suggests that institutionalization may affect both the awareness of COVID-19 and the lifestyle of the elderly.…”

“…Interviewees were also asked to refer their weight before the pandemic in order to highlight possible changes. These items were designed on the basis of a previous study performed in the same population [24] and the opinions of a panel of experts composed of one demographer, one epidemiologist, and one nutritionist.…”

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Italy

“…The first section was aimed to collect socio-demographic information such as gender, age, and educational level (none/elementary/middle/high/university degree). These items were designed based on a previous study in the same population [27] and the opinions of a panel of experts composed by one demographer, one epidemiologist, and one psychologist.…”

Capturing the Features of Physical Activity in Old Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of an Italian Survey

“…People were invited to voluntarily participate in the survey by responding to a questionnaire. The target population of the study was composed of 909,396 residents over 65 years of age living in the Apulia region; thus, assuming a response proportion of 50% with a 95% confidence level, a minimum sample size of at least 384 individuals was estimated [ 30 ].…”