Physical function and activity among older adults in Jodhpur, India

Physical activity impacts the ageing process; yet, few studies have examined relationships among physical activity, functional abilities and health among older adults in non-Western settings.

This study tests for associations among measures of physical activity, function and self-report health conditions among 200 older adults (49--50 years old) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Seven consecutive days of accelerometry data were used in measures of physical activity (Total Daily Energy Expenditure [TDEE], Physical Activity Level [PAL], Daily Average Activity Count [AC] and Activity Energy Expenditure [AEE]). Measures of physical function included grip strength, timed walk and daily average sit time. Participants reported if they had been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and/or depression.

All four measures of physical activity were positively associated with grip strength (p ≤ 0.05). AC was negatively associated with timed walk (p ≤ 0.05), and both AC and AEE were negatively associated with daily average sit time (p ≤ 0.05). Women who reported diagnosis of hypertension had lower PAL and AC (p ≤ 0.05).

This study provides further evidence for a positive relationship between physical activity and functional ability among older adults and between physical activity and cardiovascular health among women in India.