Ageing Joyfully: The Role of Physical Activity for Sustainable Healthy Ageing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71164/socialmedicine.v19i1.2026.1981Keywords:
Elderly Happiness, Healthy Ageing, Physical Activity, Social Support, SustainabilityAbstract
Introduction: Growing older is often associated with physical and mental decline, and diminished quality of life. However, global research emphasizes that physical activity plays a vital role in promoting disease stabilization, healthy ageing, and overall well-being. This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and sustainable healthy ageing, with a particular focus on rural elderly happiness. Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted to explore the association between physical activity and healthy ageing. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a sample of 540 rural elderly respondents was selected for the study. Participants were drawn from Vedapatti Town Panchayat in the Thondamuthur constituency of Coimbatore District. Their levels of healthy ageing were measured using the Healthy Ageing Inventory (HAI), along with demographic data to assess physical activity and healthy ageing levels. Results: Physical activity was found to be positively associated with higher levels of healthy ageing. Rural elders who engaged in regular physical activity demonstrated better levels of sustainable healthy ageing. The findings confirm that physical activity plays a critical role in enhancing rural elderly happiness, aligning with existing literature. In the discussion, the researcher employs the ICOPE model developed by the World Health Organization to illustrate how physical activity supports not only survival but also the personal, familial, and leisure dimensions of life. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of regular physical activity in promoting physical and mental well-being, ultimately improving the overall quality of life and happiness of rural elderly individuals.
References
Sun F, Norman IJ, While AE. Physical activity in older people: a systematic review. BMC Public Health [Internet]. 2013 May 6;13(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-449 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-449
Langhammer B, Bergland A, Rydwik E. The Importance of Physical Activity Exercise among Older People. BioMed Research International [Internet]. 2018 Dec 5;2018:1–3. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7856823 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7856823
Gualdi-Russo E, Zaccagni L. Physical activity for health and wellness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Internet]. 2021 Jul 23;18(15):7823. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157823 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157823
Piggin J. What is physical activity? a holistic definition for teachers, researchers and policy makers. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living [Internet]. 2020 Jun 18;2. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.00072 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.00072
Reiner M, Niermann C, Jekauc D, Woll A. Long-term health benefits of physical activity – a systematic review of longitudinal studies. BMC Public Health [Internet]. 2013 Sep 8;13(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-813 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-813
Yates LB, Djoussé L, Kurth T, Buring JE, Gaziano JM. Exceptional Longevity in men: Modifiable factors associated with survival and function to age 90 years. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey [Internet]. 2008 Dec 22;64(1):28–29. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ogx.0000340774.22542.88 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ogx.0000340774.22542.88
Newson RS, Kemps EB. Cardiorespiratory fitness as a predictor of successful cognitive ageing. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology [Internet]. 2006 Jul 7;28(6):949–967. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13803390591004356 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13803390591004356
Brach M, De Bruin ED, Levin O, Hinrichs T, Zijlstra W, Netz Y. Evidence-based yet still challenging! Research on physical activity in old age. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity [Internet]. 2023 Mar 17;20(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-023-00318-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-023-00318-3
Izquierdo M, Merchant RA, Morley JE, Anker SD, Aprahamian I, Arai H, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Bernabei R, Cadore EL, Cesari M, Chen L k., De Souto Barreto P, Duque G, Ferrucci L, Fielding RA, García-Hermoso A, Gutiérrez-Robledo LM, Harridge SDR, Kirk B, Kritchevsky S, Landi F, Lazarus N, Martin FC, Marzetti E, Pahor M, Ramírez-Vélez R, Rodriguez-Mañas L, Rolland Y, Ruiz JG, Theou O, Villareal DT, Waters DL, Won CW, Woo J, Vellas B, Singh MF. International Exercise Recommendations in Older Adults (ICFSR): Expert Consensus guidelines. The Journal of Nutrition Health & Aging [Internet]. 2021 Jul 1;25(7):824–853. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-021-1665-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-021-1665-8
Abusleme-Allimant R, Hurtado-Almonacid J, Reyes-Amigo T, Yáñez-Sepúlveda R, Cortés-Roco G, Arroyo-Jofré P, Páez-Herrera J. Effects of structured and unstructured physical activity on gross motor skills in preschool students to promote sustainability in the physical education classroom. Sustainability [Internet]. 2023 Jun 27;15(13):10167. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310167 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310167
Keadle SK, McKinnon R, Graubard BI, Troiano RP. Prevalence and trends in physical activity among older adults in the United States: A comparison across three national surveys. Preventive Medicine [Internet]. 2016 May 16;89:37–43. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.05.009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.05.009
Rowe JW, Kahn RL. Human aging: usual and successful. Science [Internet]. 1987 Jul 10;237(4811):143–149. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3299702 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3299702
Dey A. World report on ageing and health. The Indian Journal of Medical Research [Internet]. 2017 Jan 1;145(1):150. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5916.207249 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5916.207249
Fonseca C, De Pinho LG, Lopes MJ, Marques MDC, Garcia-Alonso J. The Elderly Nursing Core Set and the cognition of Portuguese older adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nursing [Internet]. 2021 Jun 23;20(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00623-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00623-1
Reis MGM, Casas-Novas MV, Serra I, Magalhães MDDC, Sousa LMM. The importance of a training program on active aging from the perspective of elderly individuals. Revista Brasileira De Enfermagem [Internet]. 2021 Jan 1;74(suppl 2). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0843 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0843
Karlsson SG. Looking for elderly people´s needs: teaching critical reflection in Swedish social work education. Social Work Education [Internet]. 2019 May 20;39(2):227–240. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2019.1617846 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2019.1617846
Marcus-Varwijk AE, Madjdian DS, De Vet E, Mensen MWM, Visscher TLS, Ranchor AV, Slaets JPJ, Smits CHM. Experiences and views of older people on their participation in a nurse-led health promotion intervention: “Community Health Consultation Offices for Seniors.” PLoS ONE [Internet]. 2019 May 13;14(5):e0216494. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216494 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216494
Nouri SS, Barnes DE, Volow AM, McMahan RD, Kushel M, Jin C, Boscardin J, Sudore RL. Health literacy matters more than experience for advance care planning knowledge among older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society [Internet]. 2019 Aug 19;67(10):2151–2156. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.16129 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.16129
Nutbeam D, McGill B, Premkumar P. Improving health literacy in community populations: a review of progress. Health Promotion International [Internet]. 2017 Feb 22;33(5):901–911. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/dax015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/dax015
Saint-Maurice PF, Coughlan D, Kelly SP, Keadle SK, Cook MB, Carlson SA, Fulton JE, Matthews CE. Association of Leisure-Time Physical activity across the Adult Life course with All-Cause and Cause-Specific mortality. JAMA Network Open [Internet]. 2019 Mar 8;2(3):e190355. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.0355 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.0355
Madden R, Fortune N, Gordon J. Health statistics in Australia: What we know and do not know. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Internet]. 2022 Apr 19;19(9):4959. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19094959 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19094959
Keating N. A research framework for the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). European Journal of Ageing [Internet]. 2022 Jan 12;19(3):775–787. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-021-00679-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-021-00679-7
Salvo D, Garcia L, Reis RS, Stankov I, Goel R, Schipperijn J, Hallal PC, Ding D, Pratt M. Physical activity promotion and the United Nations Sustainable Development goals: building synergies to maximize impact. Journal of Physical Activity and Health [Internet]. 2021 Jul 13;18(10):1163–1180. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2021-0413 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2021-0413
Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, Carty C, Chaput JP, Chastin S, Chou R, Dempsey PC, DiPietro L, Ekelund U, Firth J, Friedenreich CM, Garcia L, Gichu M, Jago R, Katzmarzyk PT, Lambert E, Leitzmann M, Milton K, Ortega FB, Ranasinghe C, Stamatakis E, Tiedemann A, Troiano RP, Van Der Ploeg HP, Wari V, Willumsen JF. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Nov 25;54(24):1451–1462. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955
Rudnicka E, Napierała P, Podfigurna A, Męczekalski B, Smolarczyk R, Grymowicz M. The World Health Organization (WHO) approach to healthy ageing. Maturitas [Internet]. 2020 May 26;139:6–11. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.05.018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.05.018
Figueira HA, Figueira OA, Corradi-Perini C, Martínez-Rodríguez A, Figueira AA, Da Silva CRL, Dantas EHM. A descriptive analytical study on physical activity and quality of life in sustainable aging. Sustainability [Internet]. 2021 May 25;13(11):5968. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115968 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115968
Mavrodaris A, Mattocks C, Brayne CE. Healthy ageing for a healthy planet: do sustainable solutions exist? The Lancet Healthy Longevity [Internet]. 2021 Jan 1;2(1):e10–e11. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/s2666-7568(20)30067-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(20)30067-2
Thiamwong L, Maneesriwongul W, Malathum P, Jitapunkul S, Vorapongsathorn T, Stewart AL. Development and Psychometric Testing of the Healthy Aging Instrument. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research [Internet]. 2008 Jan 1;12(4):285–296. Available from: https://www.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PRIJNR/article/view/5866
Eckstrom E, Neukam S, Kalin L, Wright J. Physical Activity and Healthy Aging. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Aug 19;36(4):671–683. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2020.06.009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2020.06.009
Anderson E, Durstine JL. Physical activity, exercise, and chronic diseases: A brief review. Sports Medicine and Health Science [Internet]. 2019 Sep 25;1(1):3–10. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smhs.2019.08.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smhs.2019.08.006
Stults-Kolehmainen MA, Sinha R. The Effects of Stress on Physical Activity and Exercise. Sports Medicine [Internet]. 2013 Sep 12;44(1):81–121. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0090-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0090-5
Wong MYC, Ou KL, Chung PK, Chui KYK, Zhang CQ. The relationship between physical activity, physical health, and mental health among older Chinese adults: A scoping review. Frontiers in Public Health [Internet]. 2023 Jan 6;10. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.914548 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.914548
Alnawwar MA, Alraddadi MI, Algethmi RA, Salem GA, Salem MA, Alharbi AA. The Effect of Physical Activity on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorder: A Systematic Review. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 Aug 16; Available from: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43595 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43595
Busse AL, Gil G, Santarém JM, Filho WJ. Physical activity and cognition in the elderly: A review. Dementia & Neuropsychologia [Internet]. 2009 Sep 1;3(3):204–208. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/s1980-57642009dn30300005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-57642009DN30300005
Tang L, Zhang L, Liu Y, Li Y, Yang L, Zou M, Yang H, Zhu L, Du R, Shen Y, Li H, Yang Y, Li Z. Optimal dose and type of exercise to improve depressive symptoms in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Geriatrics [Internet]. 2024 Jun 7;24(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-05118-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-05118-7
Izquierdo M, Duque G, Morley JE. Physical activity guidelines for older people: knowledge gaps and future directions. The Lancet Healthy Longevity [Internet]. 2021 Jun 1;2(6):e380–e383. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/s2666-7568(21)00079-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(21)00079-9
Izquierdo M, Singh MF. Urgent need for integrating physical exercise into geriatric medicine: a call to action. British Journal of Sports Medicine [Internet]. 2023 Apr 27;57(15):953–954. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-106912 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-106912
Nikitas C, Kikidis D, Bibas A, Pavlou M, Zachou Z, Bamiou DE. Recommendations for physical activity in the elderly population: A scoping review of guidelines. Journal of Frailty Sarcopenia and Falls [Internet]. 2022 Feb 25;07(01):18–28. Available from: https://doi.org/10.22540/jfsf-07-018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22540/JFSF-07-018
Duijvestijn M, De Wit GA, Van Gils PF, Wendel-Vos GCW. Impact of physical activity on healthcare costs: a systematic review. BMC Health Services Research [Internet]. 2023 Jun 2;23(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09556-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09556-8
Emerson E, Fortune N, Llewellyn G, Stancliffe R. Loneliness, social support, social isolation and wellbeing among working age adults with and without disability: Cross-sectional study. Disability and Health Journal [Internet]. 2020 Aug 5;14(1):100965. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100965 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100965
Maher JP, Pincus AL, Ram N, Conroy DE. Daily physical activity and life satisfaction across adulthood. Developmental Psychology [Internet]. 2015 Aug 17;51(10):1407–1419. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000037 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000037
Lautenschlager NT, Almeida OP, Flicker L, Janca A. Can physical activity improve the mental health of older adults? Annals of General Hospital Psychiatry [Internet]. 2004 Jun 29;3(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2832-3-12 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2832-3-12
Sawyer A, Ucci M, Jones R, Smith L, Fisher A. Supportive environments for physical activity in deprived communities in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study using photo elicitation. Social Science & Medicine [Internet]. 2017 Dec 2;197:49–58. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.048 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.048
Hansen BH, Kolle E, Steene‐Johannessen J, Dalene KE, Ekelund U, Anderssen SA. Monitoring population levels of physical activity and sedentary time in Norway across the lifespan. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports [Internet]. 2018 Oct 2;29(1):105–112. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13314 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13314
Kouvonen A, De Vogli R, Stafford M, Shipley MJ, Marmot MG, Cox T, Vahtera J, Vaananen A, Heponiemi T, Singh-Manoux A, Kivimaki M. Social support and the likelihood of maintaining and improving levels of physical activity: the Whitehall II Study. European Journal of Public Health [Internet]. 2011 Jul 12;22(4):514–518. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckr091 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckr091
Schnittger RIB, Wherton J, Prendergast D, Lawlor BA. Risk factors and mediating pathways of loneliness and social support in community-dwelling older adults. Aging & Mental Health [Internet]. 2011 Nov 30;16(3):335–346. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2011.629092 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2011.629092
Valtorta N, Hanratty B. Loneliness, isolation and the health of older adults: do we need a new research agenda? Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine [Internet]. 2012 Dec 1;105(12):518–522. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1258/jrsm.2012.120128 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1258/jrsm.2012.120128
Sallis JF, Grossman RM, Pinski RB, Patterson TL, Nader PR. The development of scales to measure social support for diet and exercise behaviors. Preventive Medicine [Internet]. 1987 Nov 1;16(6):825–836. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(87)90022-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(87)90022-3
Franco MR, Tong A, Howard K, Sherrington C, Ferreira PH, Pinto RZ, Ferreira ML. Older people’s perspectives on participation in physical activity: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature. British Journal of Sports Medicine [Internet]. 2015 Jan 13;49(19):1268–1276. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-094015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-094015
Fakoya OA, McCorry NK, Donnelly M. Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews. BMC Public Health [Internet]. 2020 Feb 14;20(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Published
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
