Physical Activity and its Relationship to life Satisfaction and General Health in the Elderly
The purpose of this study was to Investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and life satisfaction and general health in the elderly. The null hypothesis stated there would be no relationship between levels of physical activity and life satisfaction, common ailments, and health perception in the elderly (alpha = 0.05). The study was a correlational survey using a convenience sample from four groups of elderly subjects. Ordinal data was obtained through a health questionnaire administered to sixty subjects who met the criteria. Statistical analysis using chi-square found no relationship between the physical activity level and life satisfaction (X2 = 0.47), common ailments (x2 = 2.25), and health perception (X2 = 1.12). Statistical analysis using Spearman rank correlation found no relationship between the physical activity level and common ailments (r = 0.128), and health perception (r = 0.001). There was significant relationship using Spearman rank correlation between physical activity level and life satisfaction (r = 0.290). The null hypothesis was divided into parts 1 and 2. Null hypothesis 1 stating that there is no relationship between levels of physical activity and life satisfaction as measured by the health questionnaire (alpha =0.05) was rejected. Null hypothesis 2 stating that there is no relationship between levels of physical activity and common ailments and health perception as measured by the health questionnaire (alpha =0.05) was accepted. It is recommended that further research be conducted which would identify the specific physical activity level needed to achieve a maintenance level and optimum functioning of both the physiological and psychological well being of the elderly.
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