Patterns and correlates of physical activity among Nigerian community-dwelling older adults

Physical inactivity is a common risk factor for morbidity and mortality, particularly among older adults, and its context-specific values and determinants are necessary for informed health policy and programmatic interventions. This study assessed levels and correlates of Physical Activity (PA) among Nigerian community-dwelling older adults. Adults who were ≥ 65 years old (n = 246) participated in the cross-sectional study. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly (IPAQ-E) and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Correlates of PA were evaluated in terms of functional status, depression, quality of life (QoL), age, and gender. The mean age of the participants was 72.4 ± 7.14 years. Based on IPAQ-E, rates for low, moderate, and high levels of PA were 21.1%, 51.6%, and 27.2% respectively, with higher MET outputs for walking (1177.8 ± 1195.9) and moderate PA (1128.5 ± 1738.9). Based on PASE, PA levels were 82.1% and 17.9% for low and moderate PA, with the highest scores for light housework (19.4 ± 10.4), caregiving (15.7 ± 17.4), and heavy housework (12.1 ± 12.5) activities. The majority (68.7%) of the respondents had higher QoL and mild depression (54.1%). There was a significant association between IPAQ-E and age (χ2 = 16.799; p = 0.020), QoL (χ2 = 9.817; p = 0.010), and instrumental activity of daily living (χ2 = 17.125; p = 0.002). Nigerian community-dwelling older adults engaged in low-to-moderate PA. Socio-demographics and QoL, rather than depression, are significantly associated with PA. Tailored physical activity interventions are necessary to improve depression in this population, as addressing QoL and socio-demographic factors seems to be significantly linked only with PA engagement, more than depressive symptoms.