A recent comprehensive review has shed light on the significant role that home and community-based physical activity (HCBPA) plays in enhancing the quality of life (QoL) for older adults. This study, spanning over two decades of research, provides critical insights into how different attributes of physical activity interventions can influence well-being in the elderly population.
Study Overview
The systematic review analyzed data from studies published between January 2000 and April 2023, sourced from databases like PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science Library. Out of these, seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria, focusing on the effects of HCBPA on older adults. The research specifically evaluated the impact of variations in the duration, intensity, and frequency of physical activities on participants’ QoL.
Key Findings
One of the major findings of the study is that long-term HCBPA interventions tend to have a more substantial positive impact on QoL compared to short-term efforts. This indicates the necessity for sustained engagement in physical activities. Moreover, the intensity and frequency of these activities emerged as crucial factors determining their effectiveness, suggesting that not all HCBPA interventions are created equal.
The meta-analyses revealed significant improvements in the Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores, although the Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores did not show notable changes, both with low certainty of evidence. This highlights the physical benefits of HCBPA, even if the mental health outcomes are less clear.
From a market access perspective, these findings underline the need for policymakers to design and implement HCBPA programs that are accessible and tailored to the elderly. Ensuring the availability of such programs can help in creating an age-inclusive society where older adults can engage in beneficial physical activities, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Concrete Inferences
Policy Recommendations:
- Long-term commitment to HCBPA is essential for maximized benefits.
- The intensity and frequency of physical activity should be carefully calibrated.
- Programs should be widely accessible to accommodate diverse elderly populations.
- Continued research is necessary to better understand the mental health impacts.
In conclusion, the study strongly advocates for the promotion of home and community-based physical activities with an emphasis on proper duration, intensity, and frequency. Such interventions are vital for improving the physical health of older adults, although their impact on mental health requires further investigation. Policymakers are encouraged to prioritize these programs to foster a more inclusive society for the aging population.
Original Article:
J Appl Gerontol. 2024 Jul 18:7334648241257799. doi: 10.1177/07334648241257799. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Home and community-based physical activity (HCBPA) has been extensively utilized among older adults. Nevertheless, the varying types of HCBPA, including different duration, intensity, and frequency, have sparked controversy regarding their impact on the quality of life in older adults. This study aims to explore the effects of HCBPA on QoL in older adults. We conducted a systematic review and retrieved studies published from January 2000 to April 2023 from multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science Library). Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. Long-term HCBPA interventions may have a more pronounced positive impact on older adults’ quality of life than short-term ones, with the intervention’s intensity and frequency playing a key role in its effectiveness. The results of the meta-analyses showed significant differences in PCS but not in MCS, both with low certainty of evidence. Policymakers should prioritize the importance of promoting HCBPA interventions with appropriate duration, intensity, and frequency to create a more age-inclusive society.
PMID:39023884 | DOI:10.1177/07334648241257799
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
