Purpose
This study investigated the chronic disease status, frequency of clinic check, and their exercise habits among older adults in a community in mainland China.

Method
The research employed a cross-sectional online survey with a self-administered questionnaire that inquired about chronic disease status, clinic check frequency, physical activity habits, exercise frequency, and types of exercise. Middle age was defined as 50 to 59 years, and older adults were classified as 60 years and above.

Result
75 participants completed the survey, including 32 middle-aged adults (mean age = 54.43) and 43 older adults (mean age = 68.47). Chronic disease prevalence was greater among middle-aged adults (75%) compared to older adults (53.5%) (p = 0.057), especially for hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Among older adults without prior clinic checks (23.3%), only 12.5% of middle-aged adults were similarly undiagnosed, leading to earlier detection of chronic diseases in the latter (p = 0.03) and timely intervention.

Middle-aged adults preferred high-intensity activities like basketball and soccer (p=0.002) and exercised more frequently, though both groups had similar durations. Remarkably, 28.1% of middle-aged and 39.5% of older adults exercised for under 30 minutes in the past week.

Conclusion
Middle-aged adults partake in more regular clinic visits and exercise, facilitating early chronic disease detection. It advocates for increased clinic checkups for older adults and the creation of customized exercise programs for middle-aged and older individuals to enhance health outcomes.

Authors:
Ziji Chen, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong
Mun Yee Mimi Tse, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
CHEN Ziji is currently a master of philosophy student at the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, working on a project on the use of smart devices to reduce chronic pain and improve intergenerational relationships among older adults in China.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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