Factors Associated with Physical Activity in Jordanian Older People

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore factors associated with Physical Activity (PA) in Jordanian older people. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure PA in 120 adults aged ≥ 60 years. Physical and psychosocial factors related to PA were measured including gait and balance, cognition, health-related quality of life, self-reported health, fear of falling and sociodemographic factors. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that longer sedentary time (Beta = −0.23, p = .009) and female gender (Beta = −0.36, p < .001) predicted lower PA. Use of walking aids (Beta = 0.21, p = .02) and poorer perceived general health (Beta = −0.25, p = .01) predicted longer sedentary time. Only small variance (adjusted R2 = 0.25 for PA and 0.22 for sedentary time, p < .001) was explained by the variables. Larger scale studies should explore cultural and environmental factors that could explain PA in this population.