Quality of life and its association with individual and park characteristics among elderly qi gong practitioners in Malaysia

Abstract

As life expectancy increases, the Quality of life (QOL) among the elderly becomes an essential topic. This study aimed to determine the QOL and its associating individual and environmental factors among elderly qi gong practitioners in Malaysia. This study utilized a cross-sectional design and a self-administered questionnaire, Google Forms, to measure QOL and its associating factors among elderly respondents from a qi gong association. The EQ-5D questionnaire, IPAQ-M and questions adapted from previously published journal articles were used to collect data from respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, employing multiple linear regression analysis to determine the significance of the independent variables measured against the QOL among this elderly group. The overall QOL for this group was 0.86±0.10, and this elderly group had a higher QOL when compared to other elderly populations. The multiple linear regression model showed that QOL was positively influenced by moderate physical activity level, with standardised b= 0.33, 95% CI 0.04,0.09, p<0.001 and overall park quality score, with standardised b=0.18, 95% CI 0.001,0.005, p=0.001. On the contrary, QOL was negatively influenced by comorbidity with the standardised b=0.26, 95% CI 0.03,0.07, p>0.001. There is a need to promote senior citizen societies to increase awareness of healthier lifestyles. Senior citizen societies can provide quality care, information, and structured activities for the elderly improving QOL.