Agam Akhmad Syaukani, Gatot Jariono, Nugroho Susanto, Hendra Setyawan, Fitri Kurniawan
This study aim to investigate the perceptions of health and exercise among older adults in rural Javanese communities in Indonesia. Through a sequential exploratory approach, the research uncovers diverse levels of knowledge regarding health and exercise among the rural populace. There are 40 older adults from three different regency in Central Java Province participated in filling the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Further qualitative analysis used 25 samples out of 40 through convenient method. Semi-structured interview is conducted to confirm results of questionnaire and explore their perceiption on health and exercise. Despite variations, a predominant belief emerges among participants regarding the significant health benefits associated with exercise. Analysis reveals that a considerable majority (87.5%) of participants meet the World Health Organization's recommended standards of >600 METs/week, primarily through work-related physical activities. However, there remains a notable disparity in the prevalence of physical activity during leisure time, particularly in engaging in sport-related physical activities. The accumulated METs score dominantly comes from work and travel-related activities. Qualitative study reveals that there still few initiatives among the older adults to adopt a healthy living through sports and exercise. Some believe that sports was never part of their culture. To address these findings, we urge for strategic interventions from stakeholders to enhance awareness among rural older adults about the importance of sports and exercise to enhance the overall well-being. This entails the implementation of health education programs and the facilitation of collective exercise activities at the village level. © Federación Española de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF).
Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia; Padang State University, Indonesia; Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia
