Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of sedentary life in older Israelis.
OBJECTIVE
Both loneliness and insufficient physical activity are common in old age. This study investigated the association between loneliness and adherence to recommended guidelines of physical activity in a national sample of Israelis, and examined whether loneliness was a risk factor for insufficient physical activity independent of other variables.


METHODS
A random sample of 1663 (799 men) older adults aged 65+ reported their physical activity routine, and based on official guidelines were categorized as sufficiently active, insufficiently active, and inactive. In addition, they were divided into lonely or not lonely based on a single question from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.


RESULTS
Chi-square analyses indicated that loneliness, but not living alone, were inversely related to level of physical activity in both genders. Based on multinomial stepwise logistic regressions body mass index, being religious versus secular, self-rated health, and education were associated with engaging in physical activity in men (Cox & Snell R(2) = 0.202). Loneliness contributed significantly to explaining the level of participation in physical activity beyond these variables in women, but not in men (Cox & Snell R(2) = 0.197).


CONCLUSIONS
Loneliness is associated with an increasing risk of inactivity in advanced age in women. Further research inquiring into whether loneliness is the cause of reduced physical activity or whether physical activity acts as a protective factor against loneliness is needed. Developing and implementing tailored intervention programs that encourage social interaction in combination with a physical activity program are recommended.
The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Israel. neyael@wincol.ac.il
Yael
Y
Netz
Rebecca
R
Goldsmith
Tal
T
Shimony
Michal
M
Arnon
Aviva
A
Zeev
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D018912:Arabs; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D007585:Jews; D016015:Logistic Models; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D057185:Sedentary Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires