Older Adults in Malaysia: Are They Being Physically Inactive?

Introduction Malaysia has an increasingly aging population and will be classified as an aging nation by the year 2030 when 14% of the population will be ≥60 years, and this will further increase to 24% by 2050. Older adults are generally less physically active than younger adults. Physical inactivity in older adults is related to increased risk of chronic diseases, disability and various poor health outcomes. Regular physical activity in older people is important to improve overall health and promote healthy aging. This study aims to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among older adults aged ≥60 years in Malaysia. Methods Data on older adults aged ≥60 years (n=3977) were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018: Elderly Health, a population-based cross-sectional survey using a two-stage stratified sampling design. Physical inactivity levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) via face-to-face interview. Participants were classified as physically inactive (