Social-Ecological Correlates of Physical Activity Among Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline in Chinese Community: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is an important time window for early prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Regular physical activity (PA) has positive effects on cognitive functions. Little is known about the actual PA levels and social-ecological correlates in people with SCD. This study aimed to describe PA level and examine the individual, interpersonal, and neighborhood environmental correlates of PA among older adults with SCD in the Chinese community.

METHODS

A total of 246 older adults with SCD who participated in community physical examinations in three community health service centers in Baoding City from May to July 2023 were selected as the investigation subjects through convenience sampling. Questionnaires were conducted on PA, self-efficacy, self-regulation, social support, and community environment of older adults. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the factors influencing PA in older adults with SCD.

RESULTS

Only 25.2% of older adults with SCD were physically active enough. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PA was positively correlated with self-reported health status, self-efficacy, self-regulation, social support, and community facilities. It was negatively associated with age, income, and overweight/obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors on three levels were all significantly associated with PA. Interventions that incorporate individual, interpersonal, and social factors may be considered to promote PA in older adults with SCD. However, only a few older adults achieve the goal of 150 min/week of moderate activity.