Changes in Physical Activity among Older Adults Living Alone: A Latent Class Growth Analysis

This study explored the physical activity (PA) trajectories and associated factors among older adults living alone.

Data from three waves (2016-2020) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. A sample of 219 individuals aged 65 and older, living alone and with no cognitive or physical impairments, was selected. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct subpopulations among older adults living alone, each characterized by unique PA trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was also performed to identify associated factors for each PA trajectory class.

Latent class growth analysis identified two PA trajectories: a low-growth class (86.4%) with initially low PA levels that increased over time and a high-decline class (13.6%) with initially high PA levels that then decreased. Multinomial logistic regression showed that living in a metropolitan area was associated with belonging to the high-decline class (odds ratio = 4.141, 95% confidence interval [1.033, 16.603]).

This study highlights the existence of distinct PA trajectories among older adults living alone, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to support sustained PA, particularly for those in metropolitan areas who are at risk of declining activity levels.

The findings underscore the importance of considering geographic location and its impact on PA patterns among older adults, suggesting that urban-specific strategies may be necessary to promote and maintain active lifestyles in this population.