The ecological system's influence on physical activities of older adults: comparison between older men and women

Background: Korea is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive impact on older adults' health and reduces national health costs.

Aims: Drawing on Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, this study examines ecological systems that influence physical activity in older men and women.

Method: The data analysis included information on 537 older adults aged 65 years and older residing in South Korea. The regression analysis identified differences in the ecological systems that influence physical activity in older adults by sex.

Results: By examining the ecological systems that affect physical activity in older men, this study found that the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p <.001) and microsystem (p <.001), the exosystem affected the mesosystem (p <.01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p <.001). In the case of older women, the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p <.001), microsystem (p <.001), and individuals (p <.01); the exosystem affected the microsystem (p <.01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p <.001).

Conclusions: The microsystem commonly affects the physical activity of older men and women, whereas the macrosystem only affects the physical activity of older women, suggesting that older men may experience limited macrosystem support in fostering their participation in physical activity. To address this disparity, the study highlights the need for targeted policies to enhance macrosystem support for older men, such as developing tailored physical activity programs that promote positive attitudes and accessible opportunities for participation.