IMPACT OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON LONGETIVITY AMONG AGED INDIVIDUALS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT

 

ABSTRACT

 

This study was to investigate the impact of regular physical activity on the general life of persons with old age in the Lagos state. It was a descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches in analyzing data. The main problem of the study was that persons with disabilities, especially those who are aged appear to face numerous barriers to becoming physically active. Five research questions and two hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The significance of the study was that the results of the study will expose the vulnerability of persons with old age to physical inactivity and the consequences to their health. The population of the study was 520 registered members of the Association of Physically Challenged Persons in the Lagos state of Nigeria. The purposive sampling technique was used in selecting 50 aged individuals to participate in the study.

A close-ended questionnaire in the form of Likert scale was used to collect data. The statistical techniques used to analyze data collected were frequencies and percentages. An independent sample t-test was also used to test the hypotheses. The results showed among others that, lack of fitness centres and training equipments contributed to physical inactivity. The results also revealed that, lack of regular physical exercise caused stress and unhealthy conditions among persons with old age. It was concluded that, lack of facilities for training influenced the sedentary lifestyle of persons with old age. Also, lack of regular physical activity caused stress and unhealthy conditions for the aged. The recommendation therefore was that, sports and fitness clubs are to be provided to make persons with old age have easy access to facilities that would augment regular physical activity.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1                                             Background to the Study

 

In recent years, physical activity has become a primary focus of public health worldwide. Physical activity or regular exercise has also been commended and recognized as one of the effective tools in maintaining a healthy body globally (Jewson, Spittle & Casey, 2008). With this realization, considerable knowledge has accumulated concerning the significance of regular physical activity or exercise. Engagement in regular physical activity therefore is seen as an important part of a healthylifestyle.

Regular physical activity, fitness and exercise are critically important for the health  and well being of people of all ages, gender, and more importantly persons with disabilities. Research has demonstrated that virtually all individuals can benefit from regular physical activity, whether by participating in vigorous exercises or some type of moderate health-enhancing physical activities (Bauman, 2004). Physical inactivity therefore is highly expensive in both human and economic terms, and has been cited among the most important and contributory factors for many chronic diseases (Buckworth & Dishman, 2002). When the ability to be physically active and mobile is compromised, independence is lost and emotional well-being is reduced. Improvement in physical fitness through increased physical activity has therefore been shown to be important.

For economic reasons, it is important that there is some level of physical fitness of the working population of both developed and developing nations in order to increase productivity. It is general knowledge that the prevalence of inactivity and its negative

 

health consequences are rapidly increasing globally (World Health Organization, 2009).

As shown in various researches (Warburton, Nicol & Bredin, 2006; Welch, Hulley, Ferguson & Beauchamp, 2007; Wilson, Rogers, Loitz & Scime, 2006), regular exercise is linked to the prevention and treatment of diseases such as metabolic syndrome related disorders (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity), heart and pulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, intermittent claudication), muscle, bone and joint diseases (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome) and cancer, depression, asthma, and type 1 diabetes, all of which negatively affect productivity.

The benefits of regular exercise include lower blood pressure and cholesterol and maintenance of a healthy weight, improved mental health and wellbeing, social engagement, enhanced sleep and reduced risk of fractures (Jewson, Spittle & Casey, 2008). Further, improved physical activity is likely to contribute directly to improved community locomotion and community integration and to improved ability to participate in a variety of recreational activities. Perhaps more relevant to health, is the fact that physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for chronic diseases, and overall is estimated to cause 1.9 million deaths globally each year (WHO, 2009).

Despite the accumulating evidence about the benefits of physical activity, the past two decades’ rates of inactivity and sedentary behavior have remained high with the World Health Organization stating that up to 60% of the world’s population do not meet minimum guidelines for regular physical activity (WHO, 2009).

In the United States for instance, lack of physical activity is a health issue in all segments of the population (Lampinen, Heikkinen & Ruoppila, 2000). In the year 2000

 

alone, Blair, Haskell, Ho, Paffenbarger, Vranizan, and Farquhar (2000) reported that 75% of adults of the US population who were 65years of age failed to meet the minimum recommendation for maintaining health (30 minutes per day, five days per week). Half of the adults studied reported so little physical activity that they fell into the sedentary category (less than 20 minutes of activity three times per week). As revealed in the study, 23% of the adults reported no leisure time physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle, as practiced by such a large proportion has clearly been shown to be associated with more medical problems than are seen in more physically active individuals (Lampinen et al.,2000).

In Nigeria, research has clearly revealed that people of all ages can enhance their health by simply incorporating moderate levels of physical activity into their daily routine (Dake, Tawiah & Badasu, 2010). Encouraging results from numerous scientific studies (WHO, 2005) demonstrate that even a moderate amount of physical activity significantly reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality. It is important to also note that, the prevalence of obesity in Nigeria is increasing (WHO, 2005). The phenomenon is worrying because studies have consistently shown an increased risk of physical inability among people (World Health Organization, 2009). As indicated by the World Health Organization Survey, physical inactivity is a construct of great importance for a proper understanding of the relationships between behaviour and risks for a number of diseases. Indeed, a sedentary lifestyle, which is dominated by physical inactivity, has been recognized as a major risk factor. The other important concept, level of physical activity, reflects the variation in activity from a small amount of light exercise performed occasionally to a large amount executed every day.

In view of the above disposition, this study sought to investigate the impact of regular physical activity on the general life of persons with old age in the Lagos state. The study of regular physical activity provides a powerful opportunity to

 

support the well-being of persons with disabilities in general and those with old age in particular. This is the starting point for the development of a richer understanding of the links between physical activity and the health and well-being of such individuals. In this regard therefore, this study seeks to investigate the impact of regular physical activity on the general life of persons with old age in the Lagos state.

 

 

1.2  Statement of the Problem

 

The beneficial effects of regular physical activity or exercise on health, performance and longevity are well known. Although there is clear scientific evidence that regular physical activity or exercise has powerful positive effects on both psychological and physical well being of people, majority of Nigeria’s population appear not to have been engaging in regular and sustained physical activity needed to maintain their health (Amoah, 2003). The consequence of physical inactivity is very detrimental to healthy life and productivity, as shown in various literatures. Worst of all, lack of physical activity most certainly contributes to premature deaths and needless infirmity among the Nigerian population. Just as individuals without disabilities, persons with disabilities, especially those who are aged appear to face numerous barriers to becoming physically active. Such barriers are varied, and may include lack of facilities, social exclusion, and support. Additionally, lack of motivation, lack of access to facilities, and lack of recognition are some of the problems facing the aged in Nigeria. These challenges affect every aspect of their lives, including the type and quality of health care they receive, opportunities for gainful employment and careers, and, importantly, their ability to participate in a meaningful way in their community and society at large. For persons with old age,regular physical activity or exercise can impact on their ability to function effectively in society, hence the need for this study.

 

 

1.3  Aim of the Study

 

The study aimed at investigating the impact of regular physical activity on the general life of persons with old age in the Lagos state.

 

 

1.4  Objectives of the Study

 

The study specifically sought to:

 

1. Identify the forms of physical activity undertaken by persons with old age.
2. Find out the benefits of regular physical exercise to persons with old age.
3. Identify the factors that contribute to physical inactivity among persons with old age.
4. Examine the health implications of physical inactivity of persons with old age.
5. Examine and compare the extent of regular physical activity among male and female persons with old age.

 

1.5 Research Questions and Hypotheses

 

1. What forms of physical activity do persons with old age undertake?
2. What are the benefits of regular physical exercise to persons with old age?

 

3. What factors contribute to physical inactivity among persons with old age?
4. What are the health implications of physical inactivity of persons with old age?
5. To what extent do male and female persons with old age perform regular physical activity?

Hypotheses

 

Two hypotheses were found necessary to test the extent of regular physical activity among male and female persons with old age. It was therefore hypothesized that:

H₀ There is a significant difference in the extent to which male and female persons with old age perform regular physical activity.

H₁ There is no significant difference in the  extent  to  which  male  and  female persons with old age perform regular physical activity.

 

 

1.6  Significance of the Study

 

The findings of the study will reiterate the usefulness of regular physical activity to all persons, including the disabled. The study will expose the vulnerability of persons with old age to physical inactivity and the consequences to their health. In as much as nations need their human resource for increased productivity, there is also the need to improve the health status of the working population. The findings will inform government on planning efficient health policies, implementation and monitoring strategies to improve the health needs of the working population. Moreover, it will add up to existing literature.

 

1.7 Delimitation

 

Even though there are many persons with disabilities in the Lagos state, the study focused on those who are aged. Considering both the number of membership of the category of persons with old age and the time frame of the study, it was necessary to limit the study to a group of 120 aged individuals who participate in planned weekend sporting activities in the Lagos sports stadium.

 

 

1.8 Description of the Study Area

 

The city of Lagos was founded in the 1680’s by King Osei Tutu I to serve as the capital of the Asante State (Flynn, 1972). Given its strategic location and political dominance, Lagos as a matter of course, developed into a major commercial centre with all major trade routes converging on it. However, it came under the influence of the British rule in 1890 (Amoah, citing Adu Boahen, 1965). With time the city began to expand and grow thereby making it second only to Accra in terms of land area, population size, social life and economicactivity.

 

Lagos is located in the transitional forest zone and is about 270km north of the national capital, Accra. It is between latitude 6.35^o – 6.40^o and longitude 1.30^o – 1.35^o, an elevation which ranges between 250 – 300 metres above sea level with an area of about 254 square kilometres. The unique centrality of the city as a traversing point from all parts of the country makes it a special place for many to migrate to. The metropolitan area shares boundaries with Kwabre East District to the north, Atwima District to the west, Ejisu-Juaben Municipal to the east and Bosomtwe to the south. It’s beautiful layout and greenery has accorded it the accolade of being the “Garden City of West Africa”. From the three communities of Adum, Krobo and Bompata, it has  grown in a concentric form to cover an area of approximately10 kilometres in radius.

 

The direction of growth was originally along the arterial roads due to the accessibility they offered resulting in a radial pattern of development. The city is a rapidly growing one with an annual growth rate of 5.47 per cent (Nigeria Statistical Service, 2010). It encompasses about 90 suburbs, many of which were absorbed into it as a result of the process of growth and physical expansion. The 2000 Population Census kept the population at 1,170,270. It was however projected to 1,610,867 in 2006 and 1,889,934

by 2009 (Nigeria Statistical Service, 2010).

 

 

1.9 Organization of the Study

 

The study is made up of six chapters. The first chapter dealt with the background of the study, statement of the problem, aims and objectives of the study, research questions and hypotheses, significance of the study, and delimitation and limitations of the study. In chapter two, related literature was reviewed to support the study. This was grouped under themes to reflect the research objectives. Chapter three provided the methodological framework where there is a presentation and discussion of the research design, population, sample and sampling techniques, data gathering tools, procedure for data collection and how data was analysed. The fourth chapter presented and analyzed data, while the fifth discusses the findings. The sixth chapter dealt with the summary of findings, conclusion, recommendations and suggestions for future research.

IMPACT OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON LONGETIVITY AMONG AGED INDIVIDUALS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT

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