Physical activity, benefits, and barriers across the aging continuum

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Physical activity in midlife is crucial for healthy aging.
• Engagement in physical activity is influenced by perceived benefits and barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine physical activity levels in midlife Korean American adults.
• To compare perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity among midlife, young, and older Korean American adults.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a descriptive, cross-sectional study.
• Survey questionnaire data from 517 Korean American adults in a Midwestern city.

Main Results:

• Midlife adults (mean age 41.6) had lower physical activity levels than the general U.S. population.
• Fewer midlife adults met guidelines for moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity compared to older and young adults, respectively.
• Midlife adults perceived fewer benefits from physical activity than young and older adults.

Conclusions:

• Midlife adults are less likely to be physically active and may face higher risks for unhealthy aging.
• Identifying specific benefits and barriers is essential for developing targeted interventions.
• Culturally and age-appropriate strategies are needed to promote physical activity in midlife Korean Americans.