Physical activity participation and perception of older adults living in a Philippine rural community

This study aimed to assess the current level of physical activity participation and to determine the perceived barriers to physical activity of older adults living in a rural Philippine community. Data were gathered using a two-part questionnaire distributed to 346 senior citizens (aged 60 years & older) living in three barangays of Pangil Municipality, Laguna Province, a rural community in the Philippines with the most number of senior citizens. Results showed that most of the respondents are still physically active, with 75% walked for at least 10 min at a time. However, only 25% engaged in vigorous activities. Moreover, only 17% of the respondents are considered minimally active and 18% are considered as HEPA (Health Enhancing Physical Activity) active. This means that only 35% achieved at least the minimum recommended level of physical activity. Also, there is a higher percentage of male HEPA active older adults (10%) than female (7%). On the other hand, there is a higher percentage of female older adults who are insufficiently active (66%) than male (51%). Moreover, results showed that respondents spend more time on sitting compared to doing physical activities. It is, thus, necessary to develop a community-level physical activity program for older adults in Pangil, Laguna to help them increase their participation in physical activity and achieve the minimum recommended level of physical activity. On the other hand, respondents scored low on the perceived barriers survey indicating that they do not perceive any critical barrier in continuing their participation to physical activities. Associations were found between physical activity participation and the respondents' perception on lack of time, social influence, lack of energy, lack of will power and fear of injury. These factors are major concerns for those who have no reported physical activity. This shows that, in general, development of a community-level physical activity program will not pose a big problem since the respondents perceive minimal barriers in participating. However, time, social influence, energy, willpower and risk of injury should be considered in the development of the program to ensure encouragement of participation for those who have no reported physical activity.