Self-reported physical activity in middle-aged and older adults in rural South Africa: levels and correlates

Abstract: Little is known about physical activity (PA) levels and correlates in adults from rural settings in South Africa, where a rapid increase in the number of older people and marked disparities in wealth are evident, particularly between those living in rural and urban areas. This paper describes levels of self-reported PA in rural South African men and women and examines factors associated with meeting PA guidelines. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) data from the Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal studies of INDEPTH communities (HAALSI) survey of 5059 adults aged over 40y were assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess socio-demographic, functional and cognitive capacity, and chronic disease measures associated with PA. 75.4% (n=3421) of the participants with valid GPAQ data (n=4538 of 5059) met the PA guidelines. Factors associated with not meeting PA guidelines were being male, over the age of 80y, being in a higher wealth category, obesity and poorer functional capacity. These findings highlight worthwhile targets for future interventions to maintain or improve PA levels in this population and suggest that intervening earlier within this age range (from 40y) may be crucial to prevent the ‘spiral of decline’ that characterizes the frailty syndrome.
Keywords: Functional capacity, aging, elderly