The Relationship Of Level Of Physical Activity And Quality Of Life Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe observed relationships between level of physical activity engagement, perceived quality of life, and life determinants (i.e., age, gender, race, and educational level) of community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-four Pitt County Council on Aging participants, ages 55 and older, participated in the study. Quality of Life (QOL) was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) while physical activity level was measured using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA). The four domains of QOL that were measured included physical health (Domain 1), psychological state (Domain 2), social relationships (Domain 3), and environment (Domain 4). Results indicated significant bivariate relationships between physical health and VO2max (r=0.388 p=0.023), as well as RAPA score (r=0.413 p=0.015); psychological state and age (r=-0.518 p=0.002), psychological state and RAPA score (r=0.506 p=0.002), and the environment and RAPA scores (r=0.429 p=0.011). Findings also suggested that age (b=-0.770, t=-2.236, p=.033) and RAPA score (b=2.286, t=2.487, p=.019) were important predictors of psychological health. Results from this study can be used by community-based senior centers in order to create more opportunities for physical activity, thus enhancing participants' quality of life.