Age and gender patterns in associations between lifestyle factors and physical performance in older Korean adults

To investigate age and gender patterns in associations between lifestyle factors and physical performance in community-dwelling older Korean adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a population-based sample of an urban area. Randomly sampled older Korean adults (n=664; mean age, 74.6 years) participated. Data on current physical activity level and doing exercise, social participation and hobbies, smoking status, drinking status, sleep quality, and physical performance were obtained. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify the age and gender patterns in associations between various lifestyle factors and physical performance.

In younger (age <85 years) men, significant predictors of poor physical performance by logistic regression analysis after adjusting for covariates were current physical activity time, doing exercise, and engagement in social activities. In younger women, current physical activity time and sleep quality were related to poor physical performance. In older (age ≥ 85 years) men, family gatherings were a significant factor. In older women, no lifestyle factor assessed showed a significant relationship with poor physical performance.

Interventions implemented to modify lifestyle factors need to focus on age and gender subgroups in the elderly population. Lifestyle modification should be emphasised as a targeted treatment program for Korean adults aged <85 years.