Abstract
Background
Growing number of ageing population adds to the increase in the number of the patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is an idiopathic and progressive disease that significantly affects patients' daily activities and quality of life. The current study sought to explore the role of physical activity as correlates of coping strategies for the elderly with PD.
Methods
We employed a four-year follow-up study design using data drawn from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) - waves 4 and 6. A total of 421 who ever diagnosed or currently having PD (Wave 4) were followed-up (Wave 6). Cross-lagged associations were examined between self-rated health, limits of daily activities, psychological distress, CASP - quality of life scale (Control, Autonomy, Self-realization, Pleasure), and life satisfaction. A path model was developed to examine if moderate to vigorous physical activities mitigated negative effect of PD.
Results
ANOVA showed that well-being index in the older adults with PD decreased at follow-up point across the measured variables, self-rated health (p < .001), limits of daily activity (p < .001), depression (p < .001), loneliness (p < .001), CASP (p < .001) and life satisfaction (p < .001) after controlling for socio-demographic and other health variables. Moderate to vigorous level of physical activity appeared to significantly mitigate the negative effect of PD.
Conclusions
In order to improve the quality of life among the elderly with PD, multilayer intervention should be coupled with the medical treatment. Public health should design and implement enduring rehabilitation program and adaptive physical activity intervention that help psychological and behavioral adaptation process to chronic illness for Parkinson patients. Mobility assistance services or home care products can relieve the difficulties to perform activities of daily living of the elderly with Parkinson's disease.
Key messages
Parkinson patients are more likely to experience difficulties to perform activities of daily living. Physical activity intervention can enhance living of the elderly with Parkinson’s disease.
Physical activity benefits the elderly with Parkinson’s disease
