Predictors of longitudinal changes in older adults' physical activity engagement.
The study aimed to investigate factors influencing older adults' physical activity engagement over time. The authors analyzed 3 waves of data from a sample of Israelis age 75-94 (Wave 1 n = 1,369, Wave 2 n = 687, Wave 3 n = 154). Findings indicated that physical activity engagement declined longitudinally. Logistic regressions showed that female gender, older age, and taking more medications were significant risk factors for stopping exercise at Wave 2 in those physically active at Wave 1. In addition, higher functional and cognitive status predicted initiating exercise at Wave 2 in those who did not exercise at Wave 1. By clarifying the influence of personal characteristics on physical activity engagement in the Israeli old-old, this study sets the stage for future investigation and intervention, stressing the importance of targeting at-risk populations, accommodating risk factors, and addressing both the initiation and the maintenance of exercise in the face of barriers.
Cohen-Mansfield
Jiska
J
Dept. of Health Promotion, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Shmotkin
Dov
D
Goldberg
Shira
S
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000523:psychology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors