EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, LIFE SATISFACTION , AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE OUTCOMES AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES

Abstract

Purpose: As chronic diseases become more prevalent in older adults, adverse effects on physical and mental well-being increase. This study examined relationships between physical activity, life satisfaction, and medication adherence in older adults with chronic diseases. Additionally, differences in physical activity and life satisfaction according to medication adherence motivation and knowledge levels were investigated. Material and Methods: Participants aged 65 and older with at least one chronic disease completed Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Turkish version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (T-SWSL), and Modified Morisky Scale (MMS) to assess physical activity, life satisfaction, and medication adherence. Results: Total of 82 older adults (46 women, 36 men; mean age = 72.67 +/- 6.55) participated. Mean PASE and T-SWSL scores were 115.37 +/- 79.95 and 16.29 +/- 5.18, respectively. MMS results showed high motivation (n=62) and high medication knowledge (n=60). Physical activity correlated positively with life satisfaction (r=0.575, p=0.001) and medication adherence (r=0.271, p=0.014). Life satisfaction and medication adherence were also positively correlated (r=0.408, p=0.001). Conclusion: This study found positive associations between physical activity, life satisfaction, and medication adherence in older adults with chronic diseases. These findings highlight the importance of considering physical activity in care plans to potentially support better treatment outcomes and well-being.