The Relationship of Light Physical Activity on Overall Well-being Among Older Persons in Metro Manila

Background: With the rise of the aging population in the Philippines, promoting holistic well-being in older persons is increasingly important. Light physical activity (LPA) such as walking and household chores has been associated with numerous health benefits, yet its relationship with specific well-being domains remains underexplored in the Filipino context. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the correlation between light physical activity and the four domains of well-being physical, psychological, social, and environmental among older persons residing in Metro Manila. Materials and Methods: A quantitative descriptive correlational design was employed. Fifty-two participants aged 65 and above, from both institutional and community-based settings, were selected via convenience sampling. Data were gathered using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly Filipino version (PASE-F) and the WHO Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Statistical analyses, including Spearman’s rho correlation, were conducted using SPSS version 30. Results: The results revealed a weak positive correlation between light physical activity and physical well-being (ρ = 0.151, p = 0.285), psychological well-being (ρ = 0.134, p = 0.334), and environmental well-being (ρ = 0.143, p = 0.311). The social well-being domain showed the weakest association (ρ = 0.017, p = 0.906). All correlations were not statistically significant at p < 0.05. These findings indicate that while light physical activity is positively associated with well-being scores, the strength of association is weak and not statistically significant. Conclusion: While light physical activity was associated with favorable well-being scores across all domains, the lack of statistically significant relationships suggests that physical activity alone may not independently influence older persons' holistic well-being. The study highlights the need for integrated health strategies that combine physical activity with social, emotional, and environmental support systems to enhance overall quality of life among older adults in the Philippines.

Keywords: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Older Persons, Light Physical Activity, Quality of Life, Active Aging, Well-Being, WHOQOL-BREF, PASE-F