Determinants of physical activity levels and quality of life among older adults in Ghana: insights from cardiometabolic risk (CarMeR) study

Physical activity (PA) is critical for healthy ageing, helping prevent chronic and cardiometabolic conditions, improving quality of life (QoL), and preventing premature mortality among older adults. However, determinants of PA levels and their association with QoL among older adults in Ghana remain understudied. This study examined factors influencing PA levels and QoL among older adults in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.

This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 234 individuals aged 60 years and above who participated in the Cardiometabolic Risk (CarMeR) study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and WHO Quality of Life: Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) were adapted for data collection. Descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression were conducted.

The majority of participants (68.4%) were female. Only one-third (30.3%) engaged in vigorous PA, while a significant portion (61.1%) did not meet the recommended PA levels (mean MET min/week = 500.33 ± 573.53). Overall, QoL was reduced, with 50.4% of the participants reporting low QoL. Higher PA levels were significantly associated with better QoL (p < 0.001). Gender (β = 0.531) and financial status (β = 0.484) showed the strongest influence on PA, followed by health status (β = 0.433). Social support (β = 0.173), age (β = 0.149), and safety from crime (β = 0.122) also had smaller but statistically significant effects. Collectively, these factors explained 52.6% of the variation in activity levels (p < 0.001).

Higher PA levels are strongly linked to improved QoL among older adults in Ghana. Since factors like safety from crime, social support, financial stability, being male, and good health status significantly influence PA participation, targeted public health initiatives could incorporate PA programs into existing health and social care systems, encouraging social engagement, addressing financial and environmental barriers, and developing safe and age-appropriate community spaces that promote active ageing.