Effectiveness of community-based physical activity models in improving quality of life among elderly: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of community-based physical activity models in improving the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of quality of life (QoL) among community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect (January 2020 to July 2025). SELECTION OF STUDIES: Empirical studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental, and pre-post designs, focusing on community-based physical activity programs for older adults aged ≥60 years compared to inactive controls, standard care, or non-physical interventions. DATA EXTRACTION: Independent data extraction and risk of bias assessment using Cochrane RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. A systematic narrative synthesis adhering to Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines was conducted. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 2256 older adults were included. Multicomponent programs yielded the most consistent improvements. Significant physical findings included a fall incidence reduction from 51.8% to 31.4%, an 0.81-point increase in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores, and a 7.5-point increase in the Barthel Index. Cognitive outcomes improved, evidenced by a 3-point average increase in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. Psychologically, resistance and yoga interventions reduced psychological distress by approximately 18%, while high-intensity aerobic exercise yielded an 8.6-point decrease in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based, multicomponent physical activity interventions sustained for ≥12 weeks at a frequency of 2-5 sessions per week are highly effective in improving physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes. Integrating culturally adapted practices and digital technologies enhances intervention feasibility, adherence, and long-term engagement.