Factors Associated the Physical Activity of the Elderly at Care Home in D.I Yogyakarta

Abstract

Background: Institutionalized elderly often exhibit lower functional mobility than community dwellers. However, how demographic factors, clinical profiles, and exercise habits interact to influence overall physical activity in long-term care facilities remains insufficiently understood.

Purpose: To examine the associations between age, gender, comorbidities, exercise regularity, and physical activity levels among care home residents

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 65 elderly ( aged > 60 years, ambulatory, capable of verbal communication, and had no history of dementia, stroke, depression, or severe physical injuries) at the Abiyoso care Home D.I. Yogyakarta. The sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula (5% error margin) and simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured demographic sheets, 1-week direct observation for exercise regularity and PASE. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05)

Results: Most respondents were aged 60–70 years (47.7%), female (67.7%), without comorbidities (50.8%), regularly exercised (83.1%), and exhibited low overall physical activity (75.4%). Age was significantly associated with physical activity (p = 0.020). Gender (p = 0.917), comorbidities (p = 0.614), and exercise regularity (p = 0.053) showed no statistically significant associations.

Conclusions: Advancing age is associated with lower physical activity, whereas brief formal exercise alone fails to offset daily sedentary habits. Care facilities should embed continuous, age-tailored daily mobility strategies rather than relying solely on periodic exercise programs.