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. 2021 Oct 15;30(4):653-665.
doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0194. Print 2022 Aug 1.

Community-Dwelling Older Adults and Physical Activity Recommendations: Patterns of Aerobic, Strengthening, and Balance Activities

Mariana Wingood  1 , Levi Bonnell  2 , Andrea Z LaCroix  3 , Dori Rosenberg  4 , Rod Walker  4 , John Bellettiere  3 , Mikael Anne Greenwood-Hickman  4 , David Wing  3 , Nancy Gell  1
Affiliations

Community-Dwelling Older Adults and Physical Activity Recommendations: Patterns of Aerobic, Strengthening, and Balance Activities

Mariana Wingood et al. J Aging Phys Act. .

Abstract

Though it is known that most older adults do not meet the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines, little is known regarding their participation in balance activities or the full guidelines. Therefore, we sought to describe PA patterns among 1,352 community-dwelling older adult participants of the Adult Changes in Thought study, a longitudinal cohort study exploring dementia-related risk factors. We used a modified version of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire to explore PA performed and classify participants as meeting or not meeting the full guidelines or any component of the guidelines. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with meeting PA guidelines. Despite performing 10 hr of weekly PA, only 11% of participants met the full guidelines. Older age, greater body mass index, needing assistance with instrumental daily activities, and heart disease were associated with decreased odds of meeting PA guidelines. These results can guide interventions that address PA among older adults.

Keywords: active aging; exercise; guidelines; health promotion.

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Figures

Figure 1 —
Figure 1 —
Physical activity types by age group. *p<.05.
Figure 2 —
Figure 2 —
Physical activity types by gender. *p<.05.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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