Do Older Adults with Multimorbidity Meet the Recommended Levels of Physical Activity? An Analysis of Scottish Health Survey

Abstract

There is a positive association between physical activity (PA) and improved health in older adults. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of meeting recommended levels of PA among older adults with multimorbidity. Data has been derived from the nationally representative Scottish Health Surveys (2014–2017). A sub-sample of 2230 older adults (aged 65+) with multimorbidity were the study participants. Physical activity was evaluated using current recommended guidelines. Overall, 32.3% of the participants met the recommended levels of PA. Independent predictors of meeting the recommended levels of PA include male gender [odds ratio (OR) 2.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.58–2.54)], living in the least deprived areas [OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.20–2.69)]; being a non-smoker [OR 2.22 (95% CI 1.48–3. 34)]. Also, meeting recommended PA decreased with age [OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.94)] and body mass index [OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.91–0.95]; but increased per additional portion of fruit and vegetables taken [OR 1.19 (95% CI 1.12–1.25)] and with increase in well-being scale score [OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.06)]. Adherence to PA guidelines seems to be more related to age, BMI, gender (i.e. higher PA adherence in men vs. women), social support (i.e. social deprivation), dietary habits (i.e. fruit and vegetable intake) and social isolation among the elderly. In the one-third of older population, adherence to PA was associated to better mental health. Therefore, adaptation of PA guideline to suit theses determinants factors would reduce the gap difference among older adults with multimorbidity and enhance their mental well-being.

Association between chronic diseases, multimorbidity and insufficient physical activity among older adults in southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

“…According to the results, there was higher prevalence of insufficient levels of physical activity among women, which is consistent with the literature. 27,28 The factors contributing to this profile included the facts that this cohort of older women had had lower levels of schooling, were more involved in household/caring activities and did not have any paid employment. 29 Thus, the women's lower income levels, compared with men, along with their sociocultural role and family responsibilities, can hinder their possibilities for engaging in physical activity, in terms of both the time and the expense involved in accessing these activities.…”

“…It is also important to note that the relationship between physical activity and multimorbidity can be bidirectional. 28 Thus, people with multimorbidity may be less physically active due to worse health conditions. On the other hand, worse health conditions resulting from multimorbidity may lead to insufficient physical activity.…”

A combination of moderate and vigorous physical activities reduces the burden of multimorbidity: findings from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

“…Aside from religion and social groups, significant socioeconomic and demographic differences are found in the prevalence of multimorbidity by residence. The current study directly links obesity and multimorbidity, as many prior studies have shown [ 16 , 37 , 38 ]. About 45% of the urban population having obesity in the present study is of considerable concern because of associated multimorbidity.…”

Relationship between multimorbidity and composite lifestyle status in Shenzhen, China

“…For instance, a Scottish study showed that level of physical activity was lower in older people with multimorbidity than general older adults; only one third of them met the recommended amount of exercise. 42 , 43 Another study among 22,684 Australian adults with chronic diseases found that 18% of the subjects experienced long-term risky drinking. 44 These pieces of evidence suggest that the relationship between multimorbidity and lifestyle could be reciprocal causation.…”