Abstract:
Physical activity has benefits on the physical and psychological health of the
aged. The purpose of this study was to examine the role physical activity (PA)
has on the relationship between religiosity (R) and life satisfaction (LS) among
the aged in the Mfantseman Municipality. The descriptive cross-sectional
survey design was employed and convenient sampling and snowballing were
used to locate three hundred and fifteen (315) participants. Participants
answered questions on their physical activity, religiosity and life satisfaction.
The study found moderate PA levels and a high level of religiosity and life
satisfaction among the aged. Pearson’s correlations revealed a significant
relationship between religiosity and life satisfaction, however, (physical activity
and life satisfaction) and (physical activity and religiosity) were non-significant.
Also, physical activity did not mediate the relationship between religiosity and
life satisfaction. Again, there were significant differences in age with regard to
physical activity, religiosity and life satisfaction. Finally, findings from
independent samples t-test found no gender difference among religiosity and
life satisfaction, however, gender differences exist among physical activity. It
was concluded that physical activity, religiosity and life satisfaction remains an
integral component in the survival of the aged. It was recommended that health
care providers, religious institutions and the Municipal Assembly should
intensify public education to increase the participation of the aged in physical
activity in order to prolong their lives
