Suggestions for Increasing Physical Activity Levels of Korean Older Adults: A Public Health Perspective

Abstract

2010 is the year when the Korean baby boomer generation faces retirement. With the need for affective strategies to keep this population healthy, the government has placed much effort to increase the regular physical activity (PA) level of older adults. Yet the prevalence of active seniors is still relatively low. This paper reviews the recent government strategies and efforts to enhance the physical activity levels of older adults and the PA programs provided in the community settings by major organizations and institutions. In addition, the problems of the current approaches are shown, and based on a review, the author provides five suggestions for promoting the PA level of older adults as follows. First, specific physical activity goals and objectives for older adults should be included in the National Health Plan 2020. Second, the recommendations for PA for seniors, which include a proper intensity, duration and frequency of exercise, should be provided. Third, the role of organizations and institutions should be rearranged for the proper dissemination of government provided community-based exercise programs. Fourth, a standard quality-control system should be provided, and finally, an evidence-based exercise program, which should be specifically created for the older Korean population, should be developed. Physical activity offers opportunities for people to extend the years of their active independent life and reduce functional limitations. To maximize the effects of government efforts to promote PA for seniors, we feel the comments provided in this paper should be closely examined.

Clustering of multiple healthy lifestyles among older Korean adults living in the community

“…Examining individual lifestyles, participation in recommended levels of physical activity was particularly low. Deficiencies in setting national goals and objectives for physical activity in older adults, devising appropriate recommendations and guidelines, coordinating efforts among governmental agencies and organizations, and developing evidence‐based exercise programs for seniors have been criticized 37 …”

“…Deficiencies in setting national goals and objectives for physical activity in older adults, devising appropriate recommendations and guidelines, coordinating efforts among governmental agencies and organizations, and developing evidence-based exercise programs for seniors have been criticized. 37 Sex differences in the adherence to recommended lifestyle activities were observed, with older women showing a greater number of healthy behaviors. Women were more likely than men to adhere to all recommended behaviors.…”

The Prevalence and Determinants of Physical Activity among Korean Older Adults and Its Implications for Public Health

“…This raises public concern in Korea because the Korea Government has made efforts to increase the level of physical activity in seniors. These include: 1) setting a goal of physical activity participation in the National Health Plan 2020 and 2) utilizing major government organization such as National Health Insurance Services, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Long-term care services to disseminate physical activity programs in the community level (Hong, 2010). Further, there need to be attention brought for seniors who exercise daily but not enough to meet the ACSM's recommendation.…”