PHYSICAL LITERACY AS A PREDICTOR OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR AMONG TAIWANESE OLDER ADULTS: A NATIONWIDE SURVEY

Author(s): LIU, C., LIAO, Y., LIN, C., CHANG, W., CHEN, H., Institution: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 180

INTRODUCTION:
This study investigated the associations among physical literacy (PL), physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior (SB) in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.
METHODS:
A nationwide cross-sectional survey was administered via computer-assisted telephone interviewing. Using stratified random sampling across four geographic regions, 1,078 adults aged 65 years and older were recruited. PL was measured with the Senior Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument, while PA and SB were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether PL predicted PA and SB after controlling for demographic and health-related covariates.
RESULTS:
Higher PL was significantly associated with achieving recommended PA levels. Each one-point increase in PL was associated with an 8% increase in the odds of meeting PA recommendations (OR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.05, 1.12]). Additionally, PL was negatively associated with prolonged SB, with each one-point increase in PL corresponding to a 4% reduction in the likelihood of excessive sedentary time (OR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.94, 0.98]).
CONCLUSION:
PL emerged as a strong predictor of higher PA and lower SB among Taiwanese older adults, underscoring its potential as a modifiable target for promoting active and healthy ageing. Incorporating PL-oriented approaches into community-based health promotion initiatives may facilitate sustained engagement in movement and help reduce sedentary behavior in later life.