Association of nutrition, physical activity, and morbidity among older adults

Globally, the burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing rapidly, but little is known about the interactive effects of nutrition, physical activity (PA), and morbidity in older adults in Nigeria. This study examined the associations among nutrition, PA, and morbidity among older adults in Nigeria.

A cross-sectional design was adopted, and a multistage sampling technique was used to survey 330 older adult residents of a town in Nigeria. Nutritional status and physical activity levels were assessed using the full Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. It also included questions about the presence of health problems when diagnosed and respondents' perceptions of their health.

About 62% of the respondents had at least one chronic illness, and the prevalent conditions included musculoskeletal (25.6%), heart conditions (16.6%), and ear/eye problems (9.7%). Findings further showed that 21.4% were at risk of malnutrition and 1.9% were malnourished. Also, 31.6% reported low PA participation. Morbidity was significantly associated with age (p < 0.000), level of education (p < 0.000), income (p < 0.000), PA (p < 0.000), and nutrition (p = 0.045). In addition, factors that predicted the presence or absence of chronic illness included nutrition (OR = 0.395, p = 0.016), high PA (OR = 0.077, p = 0.000), age (OR = 1.063, p = 0.006), BMI overweight (OR = 0.127, p < .000), education (OR = 1.835, p = 0.001), artisan occupation (OR = 3.382, p = 0.006), and income of 10,000–20,000 Nigerian naira per month (OR = 0.363, p = 0.023).

Chronic illness is prevalent among older adults and is associated with poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and certain demographic characteristics.