Factors associated with physical activity of women aged over 75 in South Korea

Physical activity (PA) and the activity-related factors of aged women dwelling in a city community of Korea were examined for 253 participants aged over 75, regarding their socio-demographic characteristics, health status, physical performance, depression, cognitive function, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and PA. Descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance, Pearson correlation, and multiple regressions were performed to analyze cross-sectional data. The data indicated the participants carry out low-intensity physical activities, such as house chores, light gardening, and walking for pleasure. Moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activities were performed rare. The frequency per week was 15.62±8.60 for all listed activities. Frequency of PA decreased significantly in participants aged over 80, of poor perceived health, depression, and cognitive decline. There was a negative correlation between PA and the figure 8 walks (r=−0.20, P=0.002). PA showed significantly positive correlation with self-efficacy (r=0.34, P=0.001) and outcome expectations (r=0.36, P=0.001). In a regression analysis, explanation rate of factors influencing PA was 21.9 % (P=0.001). Outcome expectations (β=0.23), cognitive function (β= −0.20), and self-efficacy (β=0.19) influenced the PA. These findings indicate that interventions stimulating cognitive function and enhancing positive expectation and self-confidence should be included for PA promotion of older women aged 75 years and over.