A cross-sectional study on exercise participation and barriers among older adults

Abstract

This study examined the weekly frequency of exercise participation among older adults in South Korea and identified the factors influence this frequency. A frequency analysis compared sociodemographic characteristics based on weekly frequency of exercise participation. A linear regression analysis identified factors influencing participation in exercise less than 3 times a week and participation in no exercise. A total of 312 participants (mean age, 80.47± 6.80 years), women exercised less frequently than men. Increased age correlated with lower exercise participation, with the lowest rates among individuals aged 86 or older. Higher education levels were associated with more frequent exercise, as individuals with 16 or more years of education exhibiting the highest participation rates. Compared to individuals aged 65–75, individuals aged 81–85 and those 86 or older showed significantly higher odds ratios for insufficient exercise. Conversely individuals with 16 or more years of education had significantly lower odds ratios. Economic, psychological, emotional, environmental, and physical factors, as well as information-seeking ability, were key barriers to exercise participation. These findings suggest that women and individuals aged 81 or older need more encouragement to engage in frequent exercise. Furthermore, information-seeking ability and economic, psychological, environmental, and exercise-related/personal factors significantly impact exercise participation among older adults.