Physical Activity and Hypertension of the Elderly in Rural Areas

일 지역 노인의 신체활동 양상과 혈압

Purpose: Hypertension tends to increase after the age of 65. Proper hypertension management requires physical activities such as habitual activities and exercise. However. it is reported that many elders do not have regular physical activities. This study was to identify physical activity patterns and blood pressure according to physical activity in the elderly with hypertension. Methods: This study assessed physical activity frequency, amount, type during the latest one week, and blood pressure and BMI. The subjects were 53 elders aged over 65 years. Collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, $x^2-test$, and logistic regression analysis using SPSS 12.0. Results: It was found that most of the subjects had not been participating in regular physical activities. The most frequent physical activity patterns were walking and home activity at a low or moderate intensity. The elderly who met the normal hypertension and pre-hypertension criteria involved significantly more regular physical activities. Conclusion: This study suggested that regular participation in physical activities should be recommended for elders in order to optimize the state of their blood pressure.