Correlational Study of Attitude towards Physical Exercise, Active Ageing and Quality of Life: Implications for Geriatric Counseling

Abstract

This study investigated the frequency of physical exercise of young and middle aged Nigerian adults, their perceived relevance of exercise for active ageing and quality of life. The participants were 400 altogether. An adapted survey instrument was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and multivariate statistical tool of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings revealed that, although physical exercise was predominantly perceived as being vital for active ageing in later years, participants felt their parents and older adults in general did not exercise regularly. Consistent with previous studies, more males than females, younger age groups and participants who had tertiary education spent more time exercising. Conversely, more females than males, mostly from the rural areas devoted fewer days to physical exercise in the past one week. The SEM results supported the significant impact of desire for active ageing on attitudes toward physical exercise and quality of life. Conclusively, the structural model of this study illustrated that active ageing could be enhanced and sustained over the lifespan if regular physical exercise is embedded in daily lifestyles.