Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Rabeh Hijazi

Abstract

Increasing physical activity levels of older adults is a public health priority given the associated risks with sedentary lifestyles. Exercise such as walking may positively affect older adults as they age decreasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, or death. The purpose of this study was to examine physical activities of older adults in senior housing and to determine if age correlates with the amount of physical activity. Physical activity studies on older adults are limited due to time and resources. The health belief model and transtheoretical model frames this study theorizing that older adults will take positive steps towards achieving recommended physical activities based on their perceived threats and benefits. A correlational research design provided systematic information about physical activities of older adults in senior housing and aided in determining if age relates to the amount of physical activity. The study used a convenience sampling of 62 older adults in senior housing and data collected from the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire. The make-up of the sample included 36 females and 26 males aged 65 to 84 years old. The age of older adults in a senior housing community is not related to the amount of physical activity completed per week. The results of the descriptive analyses show that 53% of older adults in senior housing are not meeting physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. However, this is not statistically significant since all p-values for physical activity are greater than .05% level of significance at .776. Additional services such as providing leisure activity support to older adults through peer monitoring or adequate recreational facilities in the community can aid in helping older adults achieve physical activity recommendations.

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