Do Personality Traits Predict Mobility Outcomes among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Nigeria?

Objectives: To describe the association between personality factors and mobility outcomes among community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 136 older adults [mean age (SD) = 65.1 (5.4)]. The Five-Factor Model of personality was evaluated using the International Personality Item Pool. Participants' mobility was assessed using gait speed, life-space questionnaire, chair-stand and standing-balance tests. Data was analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results: Extraversion (β = 0.152, p = 0.049), conscientiousness (β = 0.238, p = 0.006), and neuroticism (β = −0.194, p = 0.016) were associated with lower extremity strength. Extraversion (β = 0.201, p = 0.021) and neuroticism (β = −0.201, p = 0.020) were associated with community mobility. No personality factor was a predictor of gait speed or balance. Conclusion: These findings may help clinicians understand the predictive power of personality and guide the development and refinement of personality-tailored interventions to improve older adults' mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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