Exercise and perceived quality of life among frail older adults

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between level of physical activity (PA) and perception of quality of life (QOL) and physical health in frail and non-frail older adults. Design/methodology/approach Volunteer participants in this quantitative cross-sectional study were a convenience sample of 236 independent residents (120 frail, 116 non-frail) in an assisted living facility in Israel. Frailty was measured by Fried et al.’s phenotype; QOL and physical health were measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. PA level was ascertained from attendance lists completed by exercise class instructors in each class during the eight-week study. Findings Frail older adults who engaged in regular PA (at least 2.5 h/week) reported the same physical health as non-frail older individuals performing a similar level. Research limitations Unsupervised PA performed independently was not taken into consideration; exercise class attendance may be a less reliable criterion of PA than collection of objective data, i.e. calories burned; participants were selected from an economically homogeneous population of a specific assisted living facility with easy access to a variety of PA. Practical implications The level of PA performed by frail older adults impacts their perceived QOL and physical health. The logs were an incentive to attend PA classes. Originality/value A minimum of 2.5 h a week of regular PA can be a protective factor that improves perceived QOL and physical health in frail older adults.