Older Americans, despite the knowledge that physical activity provides a wide range of health benefits, typically lead sedentary or irregularly active lifestyles. This study provides up-to-date national prevalences and risk profiles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among older Americans. Subjects included 5,252 older adults (age 65 and over) in the 1988-1994 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Prevalences and odds risk ratios were calculated using SUDAAN. Overall, only 32.9% of older Americans were found to meet regular physical activity guidelines (5 or more moderate bouts of LTPA per week), while 35.8% were classified as being sedentary (no LTPA). Sedentary levels of LTPA were higher among older females (43.1%) compared to males (25.6%). Also, older African Americans (57.9%) and Hispanic Americans (54.6%) had higher levels of sedentary LTPA compared to Anglo Americans (32.5%). All age groups (65-74; 75-84; 85+) of older Americans reported that lawn work was the most common LTPA, with walking being the second most common LTPA. Risk factors associated with sedentary lifestyles included: being female, living in the South, living in an urban area, having a high school education or below, and having a household income less than $30,000. Older Americans who met LTPA standards were more likely to be male, live in the Midwest or West regions, and having greater than a high school education. A discussion will be provided on how this information can enhance program planning related to LTPA among older Americans.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the levels and preferences of leisure-time physical activity among older Americans. 2. Identify the risk factors most commonly associated with sedentary leisure-time physical activity among older Americans.
Keywords: Elderly, Physical Activity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.