ABSTRACT

Objective : This study was intended to examine the practicing physical activity rates based on the general characteristics and quality of life according to the physical activities of elderly people over 65 with chronic diseases living in either rural or urban areas. Methods : Physical activities were examined for walking, flexibility exercises and muscle strength exercise, and quality of life data were collected and analyzed using EQ-5D (Euroqol-5 dimension). Results : The practicing physical activity rates were significantly different based on age, sex, marital status, housing type, income level, and educational level for those in urban areas, and based on housing type and educational level for those in rural areas. For quality of life, the urban areas showed significantly differences for exercise ability, self-care, daily activities, and pain/inconvenience of walking, flexibility exercises, and muscle strength exercise, whereas the rural areas showed significant differences for exercise walking ability. Conclusion : The practicing physical activity rates were at a low level for those with chronic diseases living in both rural and urban areas. In particular, the activities for those in rural areas were lower than for those in urban areas. An awareness of the importance of physical activity needs to have a positive influence on improving the physical function and quality of life for elderly people with chronic diseases.