Abstract

Background: An older individual usually suffer from chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disorders in addition to impairment or decline in physical activity but there is evidence that elderly individuals with regular physical activity can maintain healthy functioning longer than the inactive ones.

Objective of the Study: To assess the physical activity level in the aged people, in addition to their opinions about the motivators and barriers against physical activity as a lifestyle practice.

Subjects and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that conducted in primary health care centers under the ministry of health at Qatif city, Saudi Arabia with a sample size of 250 participants. The data were collected by using a validated questionnaire named physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE tool). Standard general statistical methods applied using computer (SPSS) for data coding and analysis.

Results: The mean score of PASE among elderly in Qatif PHC was 91 ± 6.12. No statistical significant difference in scores based on gender variation. However, knowledge about benefit of exercise and poor health were the most motivators and barrier factors respectively.

Conclusion: PASE is an important instrument for clinicians for determine health status of elderly and for prevention protective strategies and planning, which is lower in our results in comparison with other studies.

Keywords: Aged; Exercise; Physical Activity Scale; Primary Health Care; Saudi Arabia

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