Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess physical performance (PP) and physical activity (PA) among older adults visiting primary healthcare centres (PHCCs) in Riyadh. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, men and women (n = 74) aged ≥60 years were recruited from five PHCCs across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 19 February and 6 August 2017. The Timed Up & Go test was used to assess PP. Self-reported PA was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Means and standard deviations were used to describe PP and PA scores across genders. A two-tailed independent samples t-test was used to estimate mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between genders. RESULTS: Men scored significantly lower than women on PP (MD: 2.11, 95% CI: 0.59 to 3.64) and PA (MD: -46.1, 95% CI: -80.96 to -11.25). Significant gender differences were observed for leisure time activities (MD: 17.35, 95% CI: 3.29 to 31.40), light household activities (MD: -10.86, 95% CI: -16.19 to -5.53) and heavy household activities (MD: -6.48, 95% CI: -11.73 to -1.23). CONCLUSIONS: Men show significantly lower PP and PA than women. There are gender differences in leisure time activities and in light and heavy household activities.