Physical inactivity in relation to self-rated eyesight: cross-sectional analysis from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Abstract

BackgroundTo assess the cross-sectional association between self-rated eyesight and physical activity behaviour in a large general population sample of older English adults.MethodsAnalyses of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants provided information on self-rated eyesight (categorised as: excellent/very good/good/fair–poor) and their own physical activity levels (categorised as: inactive/moderate only at least 1/week, vigorous at least 1/week). Associations between self-rated eyesight and physical activity levels were examined using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 6634 participants (mean age 65.0±9.2 years) were included in the analyses. In adjusted logistic regression models, those with fair–poor and good eyesight were significantly more likely to be inactive than those who reported excellent eyesight (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.72; OR 1.59, 1.27 to 1.99, respectively).ConclusionIn this sample of older English adults, those with self-rated fair–poor vision were over twice as likely to be physically inactive than those who reported having excellent vision. When consistent data have emerged, interventions to increase physical activity in those who have poor eyesight are needed.

Associations between active travel and physical multi-morbidity in six low- and middle-income countries among community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

“…Finally, we also found significant associations between lower levels of active travel and hearing problems and visual impairments. A previous study in older English adults demonstrated that those with self-rated poor vision were over twice as likely to be physically inactive than those who reported having excellent vision [ 57 ]. Lack of physical activity may increase the likelihood of other metabolic diseases such as diabetes, which in turn may lead to severe sight-threatening issues if not controlled adequately, although more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis [ 58 ].…”

Physical activity levels in children with sensory problems: Cross-sectional analyses from the Millennium Cohort Study

“…Poor eyesight is related to lower levels of physical activity in older adults (20), which in turn increases risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes that is associated with further visual problems manifesting throughout the lifespan (33). It is important to intervene in this selfperpetuating barrier in childhood activity levels to reduce disease risk and increase quality of life in those with visual problems.…”

“…The results suggest that hearing problems are not key barriers to physical activity. It is important to examine the progression of fitness and physical activity of children with hearing problems throughout the lifespan, and into old age, where sensory deficits are again associated with lower levels of physical activity (20).…”

“…Hearing impairment and reduced physical activity has been reported widely in older adults (see e.g. 20). Examining the physical activity levels of deaf and hearing impaired children and sociodemographic correlates (21)(22)(23), research suggests that deaf children demonstrate similar or slightly lower fitness levels when compared to those with good hearing (21,22,(24)(25)(26)(27).…”

Associations between obesity and ocular health in Spanish adults

“…Regarding the management of obesity, poor ocular health may be of concern as it may increase physical inactivity. 57 Finally, future studies of longitudinal design are warranted to corroborate our findings, to gain a better understanding of the potential causality of the associations between obesity and ocular health, and to identify mediators involved in these relationships.…”