Review of Ecological Approach Factors Affecting Physical Activity among Older People

Abstract

This review aimed to investigate factors affecting physical activity among older people at the individual, social, and environmental levels based on an ecological approach. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Korean databases to identify all relevant studies that examined physical activity of older people using an ecological approach. Individual factors included socio-demographic characteristics, physical function components, and subjective health perceptions. Social factors included intimate relationships and social support. Environmental factors included physical living conditions, movement-related components, and policies and programs that affect the environment. This review analyzed the factors affecting physical activity of older people in three levels based on the ecological approach. This result provides a basis for managing, preventing, and promoting physical activity in older people based on an ecological approach and highlights the importance of environmental factors for improving physical activity among older people when applying foundational data for health prevention and management.

Effectiveness and Benefits of Exercise on Older People Living With Mental Illness’ Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Regional Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…Social and environmental factors have also been identified as impacting older adults' engagement in physical activity. A wide range of sociodemographic factors, social support, and social engagement, in combination with factors related to an older adult's living conditions, access to options for exercise, and local policies supporting safety and movement, also influence physical activity (Noh & Kim, 2022).…”