Living arrangements and participation in leisure-time physical activities in an older population.
OBJECTIVE
This is a cross-sectional investigation of living arrangements, social contacts, and level of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among residents of Sonoma, California, aged 55 and older.


METHODS
The odds of different levels of LTPA were assessed by living arrangements and social contacts following adjustment for measures of health, functioning, physical performance, selected health behaviors, and socioeconomic status for men and women separately (n = 2,073). Level of LTPA also was examined among married couples only (subset of sample, n = 511 spouse pairs).


RESULTS
The relationship between living arrangements, social contacts, and LTPA varied by gender and level of LTPA. Among married couples, the LTPA of the partner was the most significant predictor of the LTPA of the participant, with the exception of those who engaged in less than brisk activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Living arrangements and social contacts are important determinants of LTPA and should serve as the basis for future interventions.
Satariano
William A
WA
University of California, Berkeley, USA. bills@uclink4.berkeley.edu
Haight
Thaddeus J
TJ
Tager
Ira B
IB
D000367:Age Factors; D002140:California; D017028:Caregivers; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008571:Men; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014930:Women