Physical Inactivity and Related Barriers: A Study in a Community Dwelling of Older Brazilians

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and related barriers in older Brazilian adults. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted, and a stratified random sampling procedure was used. A total of 359 older adults were interviewed. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Questionnaire of Barriers to Physical Activity Practice were used to assess physical activity level and barriers, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed on the prevalence of physical inactivity in either gender or age groups. Regarding barriers, the proportion of 9 out of 22 barriers was statistically significant between men and women. Self-reported physical inactivity/activity in older Brazilian adults continues to be a concern. Uncommonly, older males reported a higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to their counterparts. Additionally, physical inactivity prevalence continued to increase with the aging process. Yet, personal barriers such as lack of time and poor health were strongly associated with physical inactivity. The results of this study may help health professionals and public policy makers to better address the issues related to a healthy lifestyle among older adults and promote physical activity among Brazilian older adults and in other countries with similar characteristics.

Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Inactivity among Older Adults in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

“…In this analysis of a large state-wide sample of community residents age 60 and over from southern Brazil, 62% (66.3% of the women, 54.7% of the men) reported that they had not engaged in specific physical activity in the prior three months. This prevalence is higher than some other findings in Brazil for comparable age persons (40.7% in Florianópolis [ 16 ], 44.6% for men and 43.2% for women age 60–69, 57.0% for men and 69.1% for women age ≥70 years in Pelotas [ 23 ], 51% in Rio Claro [ 17 ], 56.5% in capitals of Brazil [ 24 ], 58% South and Northeast Brazil [ 15 ]), but lower than others (71.6% in São Paulo [ 19 ], 79.5% in Bambui [ 25 ], 87.2% in São Paulo [ 26 ]). Prevalence is lower than in urban areas in European Community countries (80% [ 14 ]), but similar to that for the U.S. population aged 65 years and over (62.2% [ 3 ; 27 ]).…”

Does an In-Season Detraining Period Affect the Shoulder Rotator Cuff Strength and Balance of Young Swimmers?

“…29 It was described that, in the elderly, physical activity decreases 3% for each additional year of age. 30 Recent studies showed that ≈50% of older adults have a poor level of physical activity, increasing to ≈61% in elderly subjects over 80 years, 31 according to international recommendations of minimum physical activity. 28 It was also reported that older adults between 70 and 85 years is the group that spends more time in sedentary activity ≈9 hours/day.…”

Estudo de base populacional: perfil sociodemográfico e de saúde em idosos [Population-based study: socio-demographic and health profile of older adults] [Estudio de base poblacional: perfil sociodemográfico y de salud en ancianos]

“…No estado nutricional com base nos escores da MAN (instrumento que possui alta sensibilidade e é capaz de detectar idosos desnutridos e com risco de desnutrição 25 ), verificou-se percentual significante de idosos em risco de desnutrição. Em um estudo realizado com idosos residentes em Criciúma-SC, observou-se que 25% manifestavam risco de desnutrição 26 , ou seja, menor que o observado na presente pesquisa.…”