Effect Of Physical Activity on Quality of Life in Older Adults of Faisalabad

Abstract

A rapid increase in the population of older adults has been seen in recent years. With an increasing population of older adults, their health care facilities must be monitored to meet the demand. But unfortunately, poor quality and lack of health care services are increasing the burden of non-communicable diseases. These disorders are directly or indirectly related to lifestyle and quality of life in the geriatric population. Other problems that elder people face in Pakistan include economic problems, financial issues, lack of health insurance, and low pensions, among others. All of these complications along with lack of health services contribute to poor quality of life in older adults. Objective: The main purpose of our study was to determine if mild to moderate physical activity has any effect on different variables of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL). Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out in the city of Faisalabad among older adults aged above 60 years. 173 older adults, including 119 males and 54 females, participated in the study. Short Form-36 questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: The results showed that older adults that participated in 15-25 min of physical activity daily, enjoyed a better quality of life as compared to ones that do not exercise. Conclusion: Older adults who participated in 15-25 min of daily physical activity had suffered less pain and sickness as compared to physically inactive older adults. Therefore, including over a moderate-intensity exercise in the daily lifestyle of an older adult can improve many aspects of HRQL.