Physical Inactivity and Cardiovascular Health in Aging Populations: Epidemiological Evidence and Policy Implications...

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly among older adults. Physical inactivity, a modifiable risk factor, is strongly associated with the development and progression of CVD through its correlation with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. This study examines the association between physical inactivity and cardiovascular health among older adults in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 168 participants aged 60 years and older attending a tertiary hospital in Riyadh. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), anthropometric measurements, and medical record reviews. Cardiovascular health indicators and risk factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression.

Participants with low physical activity levels had a higher prevalence of hypertension (78.2%), diabetes (64.4%), and obesity (51.3%) compared to those with high activity levels (41.8%, 28.7%, and 22.3%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that physical inactivity was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of CVD (adjusted OR: 1.98, p < 0.001), with hypertension and diabetes also being strong predictors.

Physical inactivity is strongly correlated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in older adults. Interventions targeting increased physical activity are essential to reducing the CVD burden. Community-based programs and policy-driven initiatives tailored to the Riyadh region's specific environmental and cultural factors are crucial in promoting active lifestyles among aging populations.