Community environment and physical activity participation among rural older adults in China: evidence from the China longitudinal aging social survey

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is essential for improving population health, and participation levels are a key indicator of national social sports development. However, extant literature has largely focused on individual characteristics, with limited attention to the influence of the community environment. This study investigates how the community environment shapes physical activity among rural older adults in China and explores the mechanisms underlying these effects, providing evidence to support strategies aimed at promoting activity participation among rural older adults.

Methods: Data from 5,668 respondents were obtained from the 2023 Chinese Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey. Binary logistic regression was applied to evaluate the influence of key community environmental attributes, including the availability of fitness facilities, the presence of outdoor activity spaces, and the provision of activity guidance, on physical activity participation among rural older adults in China after controlling for socio-demographic variables.

Results: Among rural older adults, age, gender, educational level, marital status, and total personal income were significantly associated with physical activity participation, whereas living arrangement and self-rated health were not statistically significant. Access to fitness facilities was associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in physical activity, outdoor activity spaces showed a modest positive association, and activity guidance exhibited the strongest association.

Conclusion: The community environment, including access to fitness facilities, outdoor activity spaces, and activity guidance, is associated with promoting physical activity among rural older adults. Strengthening the development of fundamental activity facilities in rural communities and accelerating the establishment of a community-based physical activity instructor system are recommended to advance the implementation of the national fitness strategy.

Keywords: China; class; community environment; physical activity; rural older adults.