PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Background : Physical activity (PA) is crucial for reducing non-communicable diseases and enhancing quality of life among older adults, yet participation remains low, particularly in Nigeria, where inactivity rates reach over 63% among those aged 75–79. Limited context- specific research exists on barriers, benefits, and facilitators of PA among older adults in Benin City. Aim : This study aimed to investigate the perceived barriers, benefits, and facilitators of PA among older adults in Benin City, Nigeria. Method: A mixed-method cross-sectional design was employed, involving 400 community- dwelling adults aged 60 and above in Egor Local Government Area. Data were collected using the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS) and qualitative interviews. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA analyzed quantitative data, while thematic analysis explored qualitative responses. Results: Key barriers included exercise milieu (e.g., inaccessible facilities) and physical exertion (e.g., fatigue), while facilitators encompassed life enhancement (e.g., improved daily functioning) and psychological well-being (e.g., reduced stress). Education and marital status significantly influenced EBBS scores (p<0.05), unlike age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Older adults in Benin City recognize PA’s benefits but face environmental and physical barriers. Tailored interventions addressing infrastructure, health literacy, and social support are essential for promoting active aging.

This study aims to understand how nutrition and exercise affect healthy weight management in people involved in physical fitness. The purpose was to understand the connexion between routine exercise, a healthy diet and change in weight, to share reliable information about their relationship and to promote healthy habits of nutrition and physical fitness. The study looked at 100 people who are regularly involved in fitness routines by using questionnaires to cheque their food habits, the amount they exercise and the times they eat. Various descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations, were looked at to analyse the research questions. Chi-square tests were performed to cheque whether there was a link between nutrition, physical activity and healthy weight outcomes. Evidence showed that balanced eating habits, regular exercise and proper weight management go hand in hand. A majority of participants felt that eating meals at regular intervals and the right amount of meals help keep weight and health in cheque. They emphasise that combining physical activity and a better diet is key to managing weight. Being guided in nutrition, physically active and planning meals well up front were found to achieve and sustain a healthy body weight best. It stresses the need for such programmes to stress the importance of nutrition and exercise in achieving better control of weight and general health.