Engagement in physical activity (PA) depends on intrapersonal, interpersonal/cultural, organizational, physical environment and political factors. Considering that it is important to understand this phenomenon in different populational contexts, this study aimed to investigate the factors related to engagement in PA according to sociodemographic aspects, eating habits, self-rated health, activities of daily living, noncommunicable diseases, mental health and public policies in Brazilian older people. This study had a cross-sectional design and used data from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2019. Sample size was composed of 22,726 participants, aged 60 years or older, of both sexes, and all the data were collected by interview/questionnaire. According to the adjusted logistic regression, males were more active than females (OR = 1.59 (95% CI 1.40-1.80)), and those living in northern and northeastern Brazil were more likely to be inactive when compared to the southeastern region. Moreover, those with a higher educational level and income (OR = 1.36 (1.06-1.73) and OR = 1.60 (1.22-2.11)); with healthy eating habits (OR = 1.05 (1.03-1.06)); with positive self-rated health (OR = 2.67 (95% CI 1.51-4.71)); with better functional autonomy (OR = 1.22 (1.17-1.27)); and who reported that there was some public place (square, park, closed street, beach) to go for a walk, exercise or practice sport close to their home were more likely to be active (OR = 1.49 (1.34-1.67)). Sociodemographic factors, healthy eating habits, positive self-rated health, higher functioning in activities of daily living and living close to places where PA is practiced were associated with regular engagement in PA (i.e., ≥150 min/week).
Keywords: aging; epidemiology; exercise; health behavior; health surveys.