Associations between physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors in older New Zealanders.
BACKGROUND
Physical activity is a key component of healthy aging. We investigated the relationships between physical activity measures and lifestyle risk factors.


METHODS
Representative population data (N = 1894) of New Zealand adults aged 60 years and older were analysed to study the association between physical activity, smoking, overweight, and fruit and vegetable consumption.


RESULTS
Activity prevalence of 4 activity measures were 18.3% inactive/sedentary; 67.6% some recreational walking; 30.7% some vigorous activity; and 51.4% regular physical activity. Females were more likely than males to be inactive, and activity levels decreased across age groups. Activity displayed a negative association to smoking and being overweight or obese and a positive association with fruit and vegetable consumption.


CONCLUSIONS
Associations between lifestyle risk factors and physical activity indicate a need to address the issue of healthy aging by means of a multi-factorial approach.
Mummery
W Kerry
WK
Dept. of Health and Human Performance, Central Queensland University, Australia.
Kolt
Gregory
G
Schofield
Grant
G
McLean
Grant
G
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009520:New Zealand; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors