Study on the current status and influencing factors of physical activity in pre-frail rural empty-nest older adults.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the current status of physical activity and its influencing factors among pre-frail rural empty-nest older adults, and to provide targeted recommendations for improving the quality of life for rural empty-nest older adults.

Methods: A purposive sampling method, considering convenience, was used to select participants. Between May and December 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among pre-frail rural empty-nest older adults in Chaoyang County, Liaoning Province. The survey included a demographic information form, a lifestyle behavior questionnaire, a nutrition risk assessment scale, and a physical activity scale for the older adults.

Results: A total of 522 pre-frail older adults were included in this study. The median score for physical activity was 162.5 (109.0, 229.0), with walking (98.5%) and household physical activities (85.8%) being the predominant forms of activity. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of hypertension (OR = 1.537), coronary heart disease (OR = 1.490), respiratory diseases (OR = 1.534), osteoarthritis (OR = 1.726), and malnutrition (OR = 1.637) were independent risk factors for low physical activity levels in pre-frail rural empty-nest older adults (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Physical activity levels among pre-frail rural empty-nest older adults are low, with walking and household activities being the primary forms of exercise. Community healthcare providers should enhance physical activity management for this population, conduct health education on chronic diseases, help foster healthy eating habits, and prevent the risk of malnutrition. These measures will help improve physical activity levels and potentially delay or even reverse the frailty state.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.