Start Date
19-6-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
19-6-2025 10:30 AM
Abstract
Introduction Middle-aged and elderly people (>40 years old) with disabilities (MOAD) account for 88.6% of the total disability population in Korea. As this percentage is increasing due to rapid aging, and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is considered a means to promote their healthy lifestyles. This study analysed a large dataset to identify patterns in their LTPA over time and main factors that influence LTPA at different PA levels.
Methodology Data were extracted from the Disability and Life Panel Survey (2018–2022), including 3,289 MOAD who completed all five waves. Participants were categorized into four LTPA levels based on WHO guidelines. Transition matrices tracked LTPA changes over time, and multinomial logistic regression identified factors associated with LTPA improvement among initially inactive or below recommendation groups.
Results LTPA gradually increased overall, and both inactivity and exceeding recommendation groups showed strong path dependency. For those with low initial LTPA, higher initial LTPA (RRR=1.85, p<.001), better self-rated health (RRR=1.43, p<.05), and more close relationships (RRR=1.15, p <.001) were positively associated with LTPA improvement. Lower initial depression (RRR=0.97, p<.05) and transitioning into employment (RRR=1.70, p<.05) also predicted the improvement. Conversely, initial employment (RRR=0.59, p<.05) and increased depression (RRR=1.02, p<.05) reduced improvement likelihood.
Conclusions The study findings show that more multifaceted support, including physical health promotion, psychological stability, and social support, is needed to improve LTPA levels for MOAD with low initial activity levels. Early LTPA support for MOAD with recently acquired disabilities may foster physical activity engagement and contribute to better physical, psychological, and social health through positive feedback loops.
Recommended Citation
Han, Areum and Jin, Jooyeon Prof., "Trajectories of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Influencing Factors among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Disabilities" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 13.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day4/13
Trajectories of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Influencing Factors among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Disabilities
Introduction Middle-aged and elderly people (>40 years old) with disabilities (MOAD) account for 88.6% of the total disability population in Korea. As this percentage is increasing due to rapid aging, and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is considered a means to promote their healthy lifestyles. This study analysed a large dataset to identify patterns in their LTPA over time and main factors that influence LTPA at different PA levels.
Methodology Data were extracted from the Disability and Life Panel Survey (2018–2022), including 3,289 MOAD who completed all five waves. Participants were categorized into four LTPA levels based on WHO guidelines. Transition matrices tracked LTPA changes over time, and multinomial logistic regression identified factors associated with LTPA improvement among initially inactive or below recommendation groups.
Results LTPA gradually increased overall, and both inactivity and exceeding recommendation groups showed strong path dependency. For those with low initial LTPA, higher initial LTPA (RRR=1.85, p<.001), better self-rated health (RRR=1.43, p<.05), and more close relationships (RRR=1.15, p <.001) were positively associated with LTPA improvement. Lower initial depression (RRR=0.97, p<.05) and transitioning into employment (RRR=1.70, p<.05) also predicted the improvement. Conversely, initial employment (RRR=0.59, p<.05) and increased depression (RRR=1.02, p<.05) reduced improvement likelihood.
Conclusions The study findings show that more multifaceted support, including physical health promotion, psychological stability, and social support, is needed to improve LTPA levels for MOAD with low initial activity levels. Early LTPA support for MOAD with recently acquired disabilities may foster physical activity engagement and contribute to better physical, psychological, and social health through positive feedback loops.