Extra-individual correlates of physical activity attainment in rural older adults.
BACKGROUND
Challenged with a higher incidence of disease, reduced social support, and less access to physical activity facilities and services, rural older adults may find healthy active living a challenge. Despite these challenges, some rural older adults manage to achieve active lifestyles.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigates the relative importance of 4 extra-individual correlates of physical activity to physical activity achievement in rural seniors.


METHODS
Data were drawn from mail questionnaires completed by 454 adults age 65 and over in 7 rural North Carolina counties.


RESULTS
Results from an analysis of covariance indicate that respondents who approached CDC/ACSM recommended levels of physical activity were significantly more likely to report that they lived within walking distance to parks, perceived they had transportation to physical activity areas, had a partner with whom to be active, and felt activity facilities were safe. Next, 7 extra-individual correlates of physical activity were entered into a backward logistic regression. The resultant model predicting physical activity achievement among rural older adults included social support for physical activity, a safe environment for physical activity, and reported ability to walk to a local park.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventions designed to provide social support, heighten safety at activity areas and improve park infrastructure may provide opportunities to increase physical activity among seniors.
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. shoresk@ecu.edu
Kindal A
KA
Shores
Stephanie T
ST
West
Daniel S
DS
Theriault
Elizabeth A
EA
Davison
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004777:Environment; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009657:North Carolina; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data