Assessment of the Physical Activity of Elderly Population of Isfahan, Iran



Eshaghi SR¹ ; Shahsanai A² ; Ardakani MM³
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2011

Abstract

Background: Improvement of medical care and decreasing of mortality, have lead to an increase in ageing in Iranian population. The main goal of Active ageing is improving the quality of life. Physical activity is one of the factors that is important to achieve a good quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity of the elderly in Isfahan. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 350 old residents of Isfahan, Iran between the years 2009-2010. Multi stage cluster sampling technique was used to collect the sample population. Rapid assessment of physical activity (RAPA) questionnaire was used to investigate the amount of physical activity. The demographic data such as age, sex, education, job and marital status were obtained and results were analyzed by SPSS15 software. Findings: Only 13.7% of the studied population had an adequate physical activity. The frequency of adequate physical activity was significantly higher in men, those with higher levels of income, those who were married or had a lower age or were unemployed. The level of education had no significant effect on the frequency of adequate physical activity. Conclusion: The level of physical activity of elderly in Isfahan is low. The high risk group mentioned in the last part need more attention to improve their physical activity.