Factors associated with physical activity levels among older adults in selected institutions in Rwanda

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The size of the elderly population both in numbers and proportions of the whole world is increasing rapidly. The increase in the number of elderly people in the world will exert a big impact on health and social services. It is established that physical activity is one way of limiting age related disabilities. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to asses the levels of physical activity and the factors associated with it among older adults in selected institutions for the elderly in the Southern Province of Rwanda. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at 2 institutions for older adults in Rwanda. An interview questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used to collect data. RESULTS: More than one-third of the study sample was categorized as sedentary. Physical activity levels decrease with age. Females reported higher prevalence of physical activity than males. CONCLUSION: Older adults should be encouraged to engage in physical activity to gain the physical and mental health benefits associated with it.