The Effects of Physical Activity and Social Activity Participation on Life Skills, Fall Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Purpose: This study examines how participation in physical and social activities affects life skills, fall efficacy, and quality of life in adults aged 65 and over.<br/> Method: Data were collected from 273 individuals aged 65 and older (125 men and 148 women) who visited public health centers and welfare centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Standardized questionnaires were used for data collection, and the data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software.<br/> Results: First, life skills, fall efficacy and quality of life were lower among individuals in their 70s compared to those in their 60s. Among people in their 60s, women reported higher levels of happiness; however, this trend was reversed in their 70s, with women reporting lower happiness. Second, the more frequently older adults exercised and participated in activities each week, the more positively it affected their life skills, fall efficacy and quality of life. Third, the more frequently older adults commuted to work and performed work-related tasks, the more positively these factors influenced their life skills, fall efficacy and quality of life.<br/> Conclusion: Age, physical activity, and social activity are found to significantly influence the life skills, fall efficacy and quality of life for adults aged 65 years and older.