Assessment of Philosophical Approaches to Physical Activity Needs of the Elderly for Sustainable Healthy Ageing Promotion by Health Educators in Enugu State

Abstract

Sustainable healthy ageing promotion (SHAP) is a reliable public health initiative that encompasses different components of health promotion measures including physical activity. The SHAP is an essential tool for promoting the quality of life in old age. This paper investigated the appropriateness of philosophical approaches to physical activity needs of the elderly for SHAP by health educators in Enugu State. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Using convenience sampling procedure, a total of 150 respondents were studied. Questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection. Mean scores, standard deviation, frequency, percentage and t-Test were used for data analysis. The findings showed that majority of the respondents were females 80(53%), had above 10 years of teaching experience 85(57%) and had Masters Degree 90(60%) as highest educational qualification. The study further revealed that health educators in Enugu State considered philosophical approaches to physical activity needs of the elderly for SHAP appropriate (2.68±0.111>2.50). Also, no significant differences were observed with regard to gender; and highest educational qualification while difference existed on year of teaching experience (p<0.05). In old age, achieving sustainable healthy ageing is dependent on many factors including philosophical approaches to physical activity needs as considered by health educators.