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

Abstract

BackgroundCurrent information on the epidemiology of physical inactivity among older adults is lacking, making it difficult to target the inactive and to plan for interventions to ameliorate adverse effects.ObjectivesTo present statewide representative findings on the prevalence of physical inactivity among older community residents, its correlates and associated health service use.MethodsA representative non-institutionalized random sample of 6963 individuals in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, aged ≥60 years, was interviewed face-to-face. Information was obtained on demographic characteristics, social resources, health conditions and behaviors, health service use, and physical inactivity. Controlled logistic regression was used to determine the association of physical inactivity with these characteristics.ResultsOverall, 62% reported no regular physical activity. Physical inactivity was significantly more prevalent among women, older persons, those with lower education and income, Afro-Brazilians (73%; White: 61%; “other”: 64%), those no longer married, and was associated with multiple individual health conditions and impaired activities of daily living (ADL). In adjusted analyses, associations remained for sociodemographic characteristics, social participation, impaired self-rated health, ADL, vision, and depression (odds ratios (OR) 1.2–1.7). Physically inactive respondents were less likely to report outpatient visits (OR 0.81), but more likely to be hospitalized (OR 1.41).ConclusionsPhysical inactivity is highly prevalent, particularly among Afro -Brazilians. It is associated with adverse sociodemographic characteristics; lack of social interaction; and poor self-rated health, ADL, vision, and depression; although not with other health conditions. Self-care may be neglected, resulting in hospitalization.

The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)

“…2 Absence of involvement in social activities was highly associated with physical inactivity. 3 The correlation of physical activity and depression is mainly due to diminished interest or pleasure, lack of energy, and psychomotor retardation that can decrease physical activity among elderly with depressive symptoms. 3 Maintenance of physical function is important for independent living in older adults.…”

“…3 The correlation of physical activity and depression is mainly due to diminished interest or pleasure, lack of energy, and psychomotor retardation that can decrease physical activity among elderly with depressive symptoms. 3 Maintenance of physical function is important for independent living in older adults. Elderly with better physical function and high score in IADL scales also had higher score in PASE-M.…”

Does level of leisure time physical activity, in a sample of patients with depression, predict health care utilization over a subsequent 5-year period? Findings from a Finnish cohort study

“…Recent studies have also demostrated the usefulness of physical activity and exercise in the treatment and prevention of depression (Gallegos-Carrillo et al, 2013;Korniloff et al, 2012;Sieverdes et al, 2012) and that the positive effects of physical exercise can equal those of other methods of treatment or medication (Cooney, Dwan, & Mead, 2014). Souza, Fillenbaum, and Blay (2015) reported an association of physical inactivity with both higher risk of depression and higher risk of hospitalization, and also with decreased outpatient visits, among older people.…”

Prevalence of mobility disabilities in nursing home residents and the association with age, BMI, fall risk and social participation

“…Physical mobility is often described as a basic prerequisite for independence [1,2] and self-determination, [3] social participation, [4,5] quality of life [6] and subjective well-being. [7] People of all ages in need of health care professionals mostly have mobility disabilities of varying degrees (ibid.).…”