Background China has become an aging society with accelerating aging population. Thus, the health problems of an aging population have raised social concerns. Appropriate physical activity, especially active exercise can delay degenerative changes and improve the quality of life and their health.
Objective This study is designed to investigate status of physical activity among Chinese adults aged 65 years and above in 15 provinces (including municipalities and autonomous regions) (hereinafter referred to as 15 provinces) of China, and provide reasonable guidance for physical activity of elderly residents.
Methods Data were retrieved from the China Nutritional Transition Cohort Study 2015. Information on demographic characteristics (such as sex, age, education, income, and residence) and physical activity (including work-related, family-related, traffic-related, and leisure time) was investigated by questionnaire. A total of 3 282 participants aged 65 years and above with complete information on demographic characteristics and physical activity were included in the final analysis. Total physical activity and leisure time physical activity of the elderly with different characteristics were calculated by multiplying time spent on various physical activities every week (h/week) and corresponding metabolic equivalent (MET), and compared with the recommended physical activity level of the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2016).
Results The participation rate of physical activity was 80.0% among the elderly residents aged 65 years and above in China. The median total physical activity level was 39.4MET·h/week in the total population and 52.9MET·h/week in the population participating in physical activity. The participation rate of leisure time physical activity was 6.6%. The median total leisure time physical activity level was 0 MET·h/week in the total population and 34.7 MET·h/week in the population participating in leisure time physical activity. Those at 65-79 years old, high education level (high school and above), high income level (family annual income per capita ≥ 10 000 yuan), and living in urban areas had a higher leisure time physical activity level (P < 0.05). The rate of elderly residents participating in leisure time physical activity who achieved the recommended physical activity level (15 MET·h/week) was 94.9%.
Conclusion The total participation rate of leisure time physical activity is low and the level of leisure time physical activity is insufficient among seniors in the 15 provinces of China, and the leisure time physical activity level of those participating in leisure time physical activity meets the relevant recommendation stipulated by the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2016).
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