Decadal Trends in Physical Activity Adherence Among Korean Older Adults: An Analysis of National Survey of Older Korean Data, 2011-2020.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study investigated adherence to physical activity (PA) guidelines and associated sociodemographic factors among older Koreans from 2011 to 2020. METHODS: Utilizing four public data sets from the National Survey of Older Koreans, the study included the data on 40,993 older adults 65 years and older in South Korea, collected between 2011 and 2020. Adherence to PA guidelines and sociodemographic factors were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. The data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests. RESULTS: Overall adherence increased from 39.1% in 2011 to 48.2% in 2017, then decreased to 37.6% in 2020 (p < .001). Men had higher adherence than women (p < .001). Age-related adherence peaked in the young-older group (65-74 years old) and was lowest in the oldest-old group (85+ years old) (p < .001). Marital status, education, and income were also significantly related to PA adherence (p < .001) across the years. CONCLUSION: Although continuous increase in adherence to PA among Koreans 65 years and older was observed, the decline in PA levels during the COVID era underscored the need for targeted interventions and well-informed health care policies to address demographic challenges. Still, considering that data were collected during the recommended social distancing period, a cautions interpretation of these findings is warranted. Significance/Implications: Health policies aiming to improve adherence to PA guidelines should prioritize Korean older adults who are female, belong to the oldest-old group, are single, and have low education and income levels, with the goal of enhancing health equity.

Body Mass Index as a Determinant of Lower Limb Function and Community Well-Being in Older Adults: Analysis of 2020 National Older Korean Survey Data.

This epidemiological research investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and lower limb function and community well-being among the older population (≥65 years old) in South Korea. Using the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans (N = 10 097; Mage = 73.6 ± 6.63; MBMI = 23.6 ± 2.61), the study identified underweight (2.3%), normal (72.8%), and obese (24.9%) groups. Findings revealed significant associations between BMI and lower limb function, with underweight individuals facing greater physical challenges (P < .05-.01). Underweight participants were also found to live farther from key community locations, possibly reflecting social and environmental factors (P < .01) and expressed higher dissatisfaction with community environments (Ps < .05-.01). The study emphasizes the need for tailored community planning and health care strategies, focusing on the unique needs of the underweight older adults, considering South Korea's rapidly increasing older population.

The effects of life skills of Korean college student athletes on adaptation and satisfaction in college life.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of college student athletes' life skills on adaptation and life satisfaction. PARTICIPANTS: 246 college student athletes (Mage = 20.24 ± 1.11; 75% of males) who were registered in the Korea Sports Association in South Korea. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. College student athletes completed self-reported surveys in 2019. Study variables include life skills, adaptation to college, and life satisfaction as performed by bivariate analysis, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Life skills, adaptation to college, and life satisfaction were partially correlated to each other and differed by gender and sport types (p < .05-.01). College student athletes' life skills were significant predictors of adaptation to college life and life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Developing and establishing life skills programs in and outside of campus may help promoting college student athletes' well-being.