Perceived Physical Activity Levels and Objective Measures: A Mixed-Methods Study of Residents Aged 65 and Above in Assisted Living Homes in Australia

Background and Purpose: Communities face a mounting social, economic and health burden as the global population of older adults continues to grow. Regular physical activity is consistently reported as an effective means of maintaining health and independence in older adults, yet engagement in activity remains low. This study assesses the activity levels of adults aged over 65 years residing in Australian assisted living homes, and extended to examine their perception of their activity and explore possible factors that hinder or promote their engagement in physical activity.
Methods: Thirty-five older adults were recruited to this mixed-methods study from four separate assisted living homes. Objective activity data from five consecutive days of accelerometer wear were collected in combination with data from standardised and demographic questionnaires, and semistructured interviews. Qualitative data from interview transcripts were thematically analysed using NVivo software to develop themes relating to physical activity levels of older adults. Quantitative data from accelerometers and questionnaires were descriptively analysed, and associations between variables were examined using STATA software.
Results and Discussion: Findings indicated that females were more active than males, and those who were younger and those with lower body mass index (BMI) displayed higher activity levels. Additionally, residents in assisted living facility (number 4) and those who did not need ambulatory assistance are more active. Conversely, those utilising support services and those with more comorbidities demonstrated lower activity levels. Marital status and cognitive function did not show any association with activity levels of older adults. During the interviews, many older adults acknowledged the importance of physical activity, and some believed they were active. However, objective results contradicted this perception.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insight into the demographic and health factors contributing to higher levels of activity, and the perceptions of activity among older adults vulnerable to health conditions associated with inactivity.