The Impact of Regular Community-Based Exercise Programmes on Physical and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults in Urban

This study examined the impact of regular community-based exercise programs on physical and cognitive function among older adults in urban Nigeria. The increasing rate of sedentary lifestyles among older adults in Nigerian urban communities has contributed to declining physical health, reduced cognitive functioning, and poor quality of life among the elderly population. The study was guided by two objectives, two research questions, and two research hypotheses. The Activity Theory of Ageing served as the theoretical framework for the study. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The population consisted of 2,450 registered older adults aged 60 years and above in selected urban communities in Lagos State, Nigeria. A sample size of 245 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques involving purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling methods. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Community-Based Exercise and Older Adults Functional Assessment Questionnaire (CBEOAFAQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Physical and Health Education as well as Measurement and Evaluation. A reliability coefficient of 0.82 was obtained using the Cronbach's alpha method. Data collected were analysed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between regular community-based exercise programmes and physical function among older adults in urban Nigeria (r = 0.846, p < 0.05). The study also found a significant positive relationship between regular community-based exercise programmes and cognitive function among older adults in urban Nigeria (r = 0.896, p < 0.05). The study concluded that regular participation in community-based exercise programmes enhances physical wellbeing, mobility, memory retention, concentration, and mental alertness among older adults. The study recommended the establishment of organised exercise programmes and increased awareness of the importance of exercise participation for healthy ageing among older adults in urban Nigeria. Continue using AI Cursor?