Physical Activity and Associated Barriers/Facilitators in Older Adults Living in Northern Cyprus

Low PA levels were estimated in older adults living in Northern Cyprus and they were significantly higher in the youngest-old group compared with the old group. There is a relationship between PA level and barriers such as fear of falling, fear of injury, comorbidities, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, incontinence, not knowing the benefits of PA, financial problems, not driving, and doing PA alone. Facilitators such as weight loss; living in a walkable area; friendship with groups; and being active, energetic, happy, and safe are related to PA level. This study highlights the importance of increasing PA levels by increasing awareness of the importance of PA in the older adult population, removing the barriers and using facilitators.