Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Inactivity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Ireland

Abstract

The public health challenges associated with rapid population ageing are likely to be exacerbated by poor physical activity levels. The purpose of this study was to identify correlates of physical inactivity in a population-representative sample of older adults in Ireland. This paper reports a secondary analysis of data from 4892 adults aged 60+ from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). TILDA includes an assessment of the mental and physical health, and social and financial circumstances of participants assessed in a home interview and self-completion questionnaire. Chi squared statistics and forced entry logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with physical inactivity. Females were over twice as likely to be inactive as their male counterparts (Odds Ratio 2.2). Increasing old age was associated with inactivity among males and females. Those who reported above secondary level education, no reported falls in the last year and no fear of falling were less likely to be physically inactive. While older adults who noted poor/fair self-reported health, that they did not look after grandchildren, did not own a car or did not attend a course were also more likely to be inactive than those who reported positively for these items. Gender displayed a strong but often contrasting influence on factors that affect physical activity among older adults. Among females, living alone or in a rural area, retirement, fair/poor emotional health and activity being limited by illness were all significantly associated with inactivity. While cohabiting, being employed and residing in an urban area were related to low levels of activity in males. Our findings identify specific groups of the older Irish population who may be at particular risk of physical inactivity and thereby the associated physiological and psychological hazards. These results can support the development of tailored interventions to promote healthy ageing.

Decisional balance and self-efficacy of physical activity among the elderly in Rasht in 2013 based on the transtheoretical model

“…PASE evaluates leisure time activities, household and work-related activities, and because of different lifestyles in various societies, we have different results. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between ageing and physical activity decrease, the findings were in accordance with Salehi (15) and Dumith (36), and also in the Norliana et al (31) and Murtagh et al (35) studies. By aging, the amount of physical activity decreases, it is logical that by aging, the elderly have less regard for physical activity because of physiological and mental changes.…”

The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)

“…Similar findings of a positive association between self-rated health and physical activity level have been observed in cross-sectional studies with older adults in Ireland and Brazil. 2,23,26 In the present study, older adults who self-reported of having no fear of falling had higher level of physical activity. Those who were afraid of falling appeared to have loss of confidence, restriction of physical activities and social participation, physical frailty, and loss of independence.…”

Socio-demographic and built environment determinants of car use among older adults in Iran

“…Previous studies based in Europe, the US, and Japan, suggest that car ownership and use are positively correlated to the quality of life for the elderly (Chikaraishi, 2017;Hjorthol et al, 2010;Murtagh et al, 2015;Schmöcker et al, 2008;Schwanen et al, 2001). In part, this might mean that the elderly appreciate the freedom and independence afforded by cars and feel isolated and insignificant when they can no longer drive (Siren and Haustein, 2013).…”