Predictors of physical activity in older adults in an independent living retirement community

Am J Geriatr Cardiol. 2002 May-Jun;11(3):160-2, 191. doi: 10.1111/j.1076-7460.2002.01116.x.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine potential predictors of physical activity in older adults in an independent living retirement community. Participants received a self-developed questionnaire that included questions regarding age, gender, educational attainment, physical activity habits, and physicians' physical activity counseling habits. One hundred nine of 150 questionnaires (72.7%) were completed and returned. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that younger age (p=0.013), higher educational attainment (p=0.003), positive attitude toward physical activity (p=0.030), and receiving advice from a physician to be physically active (p=0.001) were all positive predictors of increased physical activity. The results demonstrate that younger age, higher educational attainment, a positive attitude toward physical activity, and receiving advice from a physician to be physically active result in increased physical activity levels of older adults in an independent living retirement community.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude to Health
  • Educational Status
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Retirement*