BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are important factors for optimal health in the elderly. Studying the association between PA and HRQoL is becoming more essential as the number of elderly people increases worldwide. This study assesses the association between PA and HRQoL among community dwelling elderly above 60 years old.MethodsThe study included 115 women and 61 men (mean age: 68.15 ± 6.74 years) recruited from the community and from public centers for the elderly. Data were collected using a background characteristics questionnaire (BCQ), a physical activity socio-cultural adapted questionnaire (PA-SCAQ), and the EuroQuol-5Dimensions-5Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Between groups, comparisons were based on the PA-SCAQ by dividing the participants into three PA groups: low (n = 74), moderate (n = 85), and high (n = 17). Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed on the ordinal variables of the three PA groups to determine differences between the groups according to categorical variables such as gender, body mass index (BMI), and the prevalence of comorbid conditions. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed on the ordinal variables of the EuroQuol-5Dimensions (EQ-5D), and the independent sample t-test was performed on the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the EQ-5D and level of PA.ResultsValues in all dimensions of HRQoL were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the moderate and high PA groups compared with the low PA group. Significant correlations were recorded between the five dimensions of HRQoL and the level of PA (P < 0.001). The low PA group showed higher prevalence of hypertension (64%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (50%, P < 0.001).ConclusionThere were strong associations between higher levels of PA and all dimensions of HRQoL. Therefore, adopting a PA lifestyle may contribute to better HRQoL among community dwelling elderly above 60 years old.

Background With increasing number of older adults worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging well. Well-being and physical and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may contribute to aging well. The state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an individual's subjective feelings, and exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to be an important area of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions on aging well among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Methods A qualitative research design in the context of focus group discussions was used; seven focus groups were conducted including fifty-six participants (aged 63–81 years). Data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach described by Braun and Clarke. Results Three major themes were identified, “sense of well-being,” “having good physical health,” and “preserving good mental health.” The participants perceived that aging well is influenced by positive feelings such as being joyous, staying independent, having a life purpose, self-possessed contentment, and financially secured, in addition to be socially engaged and enjoying good physical and mental health. Conclusion This study contributes to get a better insight concerning older adults' perspectives on aging well. Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life, and being intellectually engaged are all contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of an Arabic language version (Ar) of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) with respect to its use with Arabic-speaking elderly subjects. Subjects and Methods: For cross-cultural adaptation, the translation of the original English version of the scale was conducted based on the protocol of the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE). The FES-I (Ar) was administered via face-to-face interviews to 108 community-dwelling elderly Palestinians (61 women and 47 men, aged 60-84 years). Statistical analyses were used to determine group differences with respect to age, gender and fall history. To assess validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the total scores of FES-I (Ar) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, gait speed and balance. Test-retest reliability between the two test occasions was assessed in accordance with Svensson's method. Results: The FES-I (Ar) total scores were positively correlated with TUG (r_s = 0.641, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with gait speed (r_s = -0.670, p < 0.001) and balance (r_s = -0.592, p < 0.001). All items of the FES-I (Ar) indicated a high percentage agreement (from 88 to 93%), and the relative position ranged from 0.01 to 0.06. Conclusion: In this study, the FES-I (Ar) was shown to be a comprehensible, valid and reliable measure of the concern about falling among community-dwelling elderly subjects. In clinical practice and future research, the FES-I (Ar) instrument could be used to effectively assess concern about falling in Arabic-speaking elderly persons.

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