Healthy Habits and Fitness Levels in Older Adults in the City

This cross-sectional study involved 58 older adults aged 55 and above, with an average age of approximately 72 years. The participants, residing in independent senior housing, completed a questionnaire and the Senior Fitness Test, which assessed their self-reported fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, self-efficacy, and functional fitness. The study aimed to test six hypotheses through T-tests and bivariate correlation analyses.

The findings revealed that while the participants had low physical activity levels, their average fruit and vegetable intake was significantly higher than the hypothesized “low” score. This aligns with previous research indicating that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke^[3]. However, only a small percentage of participants met the functional fitness standards for balance/agility (4.26%) and lower-body strength (8.51%). In contrast, 51.1% met the standards for upper-body strength, and 46.8% met the standards for endurance.

The study also found a positive relationship between nutrition self-efficacy and fruit and vegetable intake, as well as between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity levels. This suggests that older adults who believe in their ability to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly are more likely to do so. Interestingly, income was not related to nutrition or activity patterns, indicating that other factors may play a more significant role in influencing these behaviors.

Previous studies have highlighted the complex nature of chronic diseases in older adults, emphasizing the need for multicomponent interventions to prevent disabilities and dependence on activities of daily living^[2]. The current study supports this view by showing that while older adults may have higher fruit and vegetable intake, their physical activity levels and functional fitness still require improvement. This underscores the importance of addressing multiple aspects of health, including diet, physical activity, and self-efficacy, to enhance the overall well-being of older adults.

The study’s findings complicate the picture of dietary and physical activity patterns for older adults in Alaska, suggesting that while they may be consuming more fruits and vegetables, their physical activity levels remain low. This is concerning given that physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer^[4]. Therefore, interventions targeting both diet and physical activity are crucial for promoting healthy aging.

To address these challenges, future health promotion activities should focus on enhancing self-efficacy related to diet and exercise among older adults. This could involve educational programs, community support groups, and personalized fitness plans to encourage regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. Additionally, policymakers should consider strategies to make fruits and vegetables more accessible and affordable for older adults, as previous research has shown that increased consumption of these foods can significantly reduce the risk of several chronic diseases^[3].

In conclusion, the study by the University of Alaska Anchorage provides valuable insights into the dietary and physical activity patterns of older adults in urban Southcentral Alaska. By highlighting the importance of self-efficacy and the need for multicomponent interventions, the study offers recommendations for future health promotion activities aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults.