Physical activity among elderly people with heart disease

Aim. This study was conducted to assess physical activity in elderly people with heart disease, in Ilam, Iran.
Background. Regarding the increasing number of elderly people, paying attention to their health is of great importance. Regular physical activity is being regarded as a way of reinforcing the immune system and preventing non-communicable diseases.
Method. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 elderly patients admitted to post CCU and CCU of hospitals in Ilam, Iran. The sample was recruited by convenience sampling method. The questionnaire “Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity” (RAPA) was used to assess physical activity. SPSS version 17 was used to analyze the data through descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics.
Findings. Of 240 elderly people participated in the study, 108 were male and 122 were female. Only 5% of the subjects had appropriate physical activity according to the World Health Organization classification. Physical activity was found to be statistically related with age, education, income, occupation, and marital status.
Conclusion. Physical activity was at a low level among older adults. It is necessary to take interventions for improving physical activity in elderly people. It is suggested to teach them appropriate life style in terms of physical activity.