Correlations between Physical Activity And Health Status Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Aged ≥65 Years

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmhs.202505302

Author(s)

Zhang Xiaojun1, Zhang Guiying2, Chang Ping3

Affiliation(s)

1Research Office, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China 2Community Health Service Center of South Station, Economic Development Zone, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China 3Department of Physical Education, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the influence of regular physical activity on the body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and prevalence of chronic diseases among elderly individuals aged 65 and older residing in the community. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, the study included 230 community-dwelling older adults (120 males and 110 females). Data on physical activity habits (frequency, duration, and type) were gathered through questionnaires, while BMI, blood pressure, and chronic disease data (hypertension/diabetes/cardiovascular conditions) were obtained from physical examinations. The classification of physical activity frequency was as follows: daily physical activity group (≥30 minutes/day), occasional physical activity group (1-3 times/week), and non-physical activity group (<1 time/week). Utilizing SPSS 25.0 for t-tests, chi-squared tests, and correlation analyses, the findings revealed that the daily physical activity group had significantly lower BMI (24.8±2.1 vs 27.1±3.2), systolic blood pressure (130.5±10.3 vs 142.8±12.6 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure (78.4±7.2 vs 85.2±9.4 mmHg) compared to the non-physical activity group (all P<0.01). Additionally, the prevalence of chronic diseases was markedly reduced in the daily physical activity group: hypertension (38.5% vs 62.3%), diabetes (15.5% vs 33.3%), and cerebrovascular disease (6.2% vs 12.3%) (all P<0.05). Walking was identified as the primary form of physical activity among elderly community members, demonstrating greater health benefits than other forms of physical activity (P>0.05). This study concludes that engaging in daily walking for at least 30 minutes can significantly improve the weight, blood pressure, and chronic disease management among older adults, underscoring the necessity for enhanced physical activity interventions within the community.

Keywords

Elderly; Physical Activity; Chronic Diseases; Body Mass Index; Community Health Management

References

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