Prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim Physical inactivity in older adults is linked to increased risk of chronic diseases, disability and various poor health outcomes. As the aging population rises, the prevalence of diseases associated with aging also increases. Regular physical activity in older adults is important to improve overall health and promote healthy aging. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia. Methods This study was based on 3969 Malaysian older adults aged ≥60 years who completed the physical activity module in the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018, a population‐based cross‐sectional survey. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire through a face‐to‐face interview. Participants were classified as physically active or inactive. Associations between physical inactivity, sociodemographic characteristics and a range of selected independent variables were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Results Overall, three out of 10 (29.8%) Malaysian older adults were physically inactive. Results of multivariable analysis showed that older age group (≥80 years), of Bumiputera Sarawak ethnicity, unemployed/retirees/homemakers, functional limitation, diabetes mellitus and dementia were significantly associated with a higher risk of physical inactivity. Women, with secondary education level and good social support were less likely to be physically inactive. Conclusions The present study reported the status of physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia. There is the need to design effective public health programs and interventions to promote active living and healthy aging among Malaysian older adults, particularly in those at‐risk older population subgroups. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 49–56.

Prevalence and associated factors of physical inactivity among middle-aged and older adults in India: results of a national cross-sectional community survey

“… 6 The physical inactivity level found in this study compares with previous national studies in other countries in the Southeast and East Asian region, for example, for example in China (≥45 years) (44.1%) 9 but was higher than for example in Malaysia (≥60 years) (29.8%). 10 The high levels of physical inactivity found in this study call for intensified efforts to promote physical activity in India.…”

“… 7 In other countries in the Southeast and East Asian region, for example, in an adult population in Iran, the prevalence of physical inactivity was 44.8%, 8 in China (≥45 years), the proportion of physical inactivity was 44.1%, 9 and in Malaysia (≥60 years), 29.8% were physically inactive. 10 …”

Factors Associated with Physical Activity in a Diverse Older Population

“…Other published studies conducted in older adults have targeted population groups in countries such as Ireland [ 39 ], Jamaica [ 40 ], Scotland [ 41 ], India [ 42 ], Australia [ 43 ], and Malaysia [ 44 ] among others. There is a scarcity of research directed at studying differences in factors associated with physical activity within groups (including men and women) based on race or ethnicity.…”

Prevalence and associated factors of insufficient physical activity among elderly people in Bangladesh: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

“…10 15 Reduced participation of elderly people in physical activities may be caused by their poor health conditions and disabilities. 16 Education is another factor affecting participation in physical activity (PA), although the direction of association varies by country. 9 17 Rapid and unplanned urbanisation and migration of people to urban areas are two critical factors associated with IPA in developing countries.…”

“…A study in Malaysia had similar findings where inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetable was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of IPA. 16 Physically active people might consume more fruits and vegetable due to a relatively high awareness of NCD risk factors. In this population, a higher waist circumference or central obesity was associated with IPA among elderly men.…”