The Relationship Between Physical Mobility and Anxiety Among Rural Older Adults in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur

Abstract

The growing aging population in low- and middle-income countries, including the Philippines, raises important concerns about the physical and mental well-being of older adults, which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal Three on health and well-being across the life course. This study examined the relationship between physical mobility and anxiety symptoms, including somatic, cognitive, and affective dimensions, among community-dwelling older adults in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Using a descriptive-correlational design, older adults residing in the community were surveyed using validated Ilocano-translated instruments, namely a demographic questionnaire, the Elderly Mobility Scale, and the revised Geriatric Anxiety Scale. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses were employed. Results indicated that participants were predominantly female, married, and reported hypertension as a common health condition. Overall physical mobility reflected functional independence, although difficulties persisted in tasks requiring reaching and transferring. Anxiety symptoms across somatic, cognitive, and affective domains were generally mild. Findings revealed significant inverse relationships between physical mobility and anxiety symptoms across all domains, indicating that lower mobility levels were associated with higher anxiety manifestations. Demographic characteristics also showed meaningful associations with mobility, with advancing age and poorer self-reported health negatively related, while higher educational attainment and income were positively associated. These findings highlight the close linkage between physical mobility and anxiety among rural older adults and emphasize the need for integrated physical and mental health screening in community-based geriatric programs. Implementing active-aging initiatives that combine mobility assessment and anxiety screening in primary care and barangay health settings may enhance holistic geriatric well-being. Strengthening collaboration among health institutions, local governments, and academic partners, alongside future longitudinal and qualitative studies, can support more responsive and context-sensitive strategies for healthy aging in underserved communities.