Objective
The study aimed to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors and incident functional disability in South Africa.
Methods
Longitudinal data (N = 4113) from two consecutive waves in 2014/2015 and 2018/2019 in Agincourt, South Africa, were analysed.
Results
Moderate sedentary behaviour (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.31–2.58) and being overweight (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.10–2.36) increased the odds of incident functional disability among men. Moderate and high sedentary behaviour (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.31, 2.57, and AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08–3.10) increased the odds, and frequent fruit intake (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19–0.91) and moderate physical activity (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30–0.75) decreased the odds of incident functional disability among women.
Conclusions
Sedentary behaviour and being overweight increased odds, and physical activity and frequent fruit intake decreased odds of incident functional disability among ageing men and/or women in South Africa.