Exploring the Link Between Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease in India's Elderly: Evidence from the Longitudinal Aging Study.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, particularly among older adults. In India, the rapid demographic transition has resulted in a significant increase in the aging population, necessitating a deeper understanding of the factors influencing CVD prevalence. This study examines the association between physical activity and the prevalence of CVD among individuals aged 60 and above. DATA & METHODS: The study utilized cross-sectional data from the LASI, comprising a nationally representative sample of 28,935 individuals. Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and CVD. Population Attributable Factor (PAF) was calculated to determine the proportion of CVD cases preventable by recommended physical activity levels. RESULTS: Adequate physical activity was significantly associated with lower odds of CVD (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.67-0.78). Inadequate physical activity also showed a protective effect (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94) compared to those who never worked. Other significant factors influencing CVD risk included age, sex, educational level, living arrangements, self-rated health status, body mass index, smoking habits, and multi-morbidity. The comparison between adequate physical activity levels and never physically active shows a PAF estimate of 0.093 (95% CI 0.071 - 0.114), indicating that 9.3% of cardiovascular disease cases could be prevented by increasing physical activity from never active to adequate levels. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the significant role of physical activity in reducing CVD risk among older adults in India. Promoting regular physical activity through community-based programs and healthcare interventions could substantially lower the burden of CVD.