Predictors of physical activity behavior in older community-dwelling adults.
OBJECTIVE
Physical activity is important health behavior for functional independence and quality of life in older people. This study examined factors that influence older people's engagement in physical activity.


METHODS
Data were analyzed from the first wave of the Melbourne Longitudinal Studies on Health Ageing program survey of 1000 persons aged 65 yrs and older living in noninstitutional settings in Melbourne, Australia.


RESULTS
Most people reported doing some physical activity in the previous 2 wks. Agreement that there was much older people can do to keep healthy influenced reported physical activity behaviour. Most respondents believed they did enough activity. Age, educational status, and income were also correlates of physical activity behavior. The predictors of energetic physical activity behavior (defined as engaging in both energetic and light activities in the past fortnight) were age, education, personal security score, and positive health beliefs, independent of health status.


CONCLUSIONS
These predictors have implications for planning and tailoring delivery of health promotion interventions.
Monash Institute of Health Services Research, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia.
Colette
C
Browning
Jane
J
Sims
Hal
H
Kendig
Karen
K
Teshuva
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors