Construction of a Physical Activity Model for the Elderly

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to test a model of physical activity of elderly living in Korea, determine significant factors contributing the physical activity, and examine significant paths in the model. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 207 elderly men and women, aged 60 and older, residing in Busan Metropolitan City. Data were collected from July to August 2009 and analyzed using Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) and Analysis of a Moment Structures (AMOS). Results: The fitness of the modified model was confirmed to be appropriate (${\chi}^2$ = 55.61, ${\chi}^2$/df = 1.32, p = .078, RMSEA = .04, GFI = .96, AGFI = .91, NFI = .90, NNFI = .94, CFI = .97, PNFI = .48). The elder's age, previous exercise behavior, and self-efficacy were significant in explaining the variance in their physical activity. We found that (a) perceived health status, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and social support directly affected self-efficacy; (b) previous exercise behavior and perceived health status directly affected perceived benefits; (c) previous exercise behavior directly affected perceived barriers; and (d) and education level, extent of pocket money, and economic level directly affected social support. Conclusions: The younger the age, the more previous exercise experience, and the higher the self-efficacy, the more S. Korean elders demonstrated improved physical activity.