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01-04-2017 | Original Article

Physical Activity in Older Adults: an Ecological Approach

Authors: Christina M. Thornton, JD, MA, Jacqueline Kerr, PhD, Terry L. Conway, PhD, Brian E. Saelens, PhD, James F. Sallis, PhD, David K. Ahn, PhD, Lawrence D. Frank, PhD, Kelli L. Cain, MA, Abby C. King, PhD

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

Background

Studies identifying correlates of physical activity (PA) at all levels of the ecological model can provide an empirical basis for designing interventions to increase older adults’ PA.

Purpose

Applying ecological model principles, this study concurrently examined individual, psychosocial, and environmental correlates of older adults’ PA to determine whether built environment factors contribute to PA over and above individual/demographic and psychosocial variables.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional observational design, 726 adults, aged ≥66 years, were recruited from two US regions. Explanatory variables included demographics, self-efficacy, social support, barriers, and environmental variables measured by using geographic information systems (GIS) and self-report. Outcomes included reported walking for errands and leisure/exercise and accelerometer-measured daily moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Analyses employed mixed-model regressions with backward elimination.

Results

For daily MVPA, the only significant environmental variable was GIS-based proximity to a park (p < 0.001) after controlling for individual/demographic and psychosocial factors. Walking for errands was positively related to four environmental variables: reported walking/cycling facilities (p < 0.05), GIS-based intersection density (p < 0.01), mixed land use (p < 0.01), and private recreation facilities (p < 0.01). Walking for leisure/exercise was negatively related to GIS-based mixed land use (p < 0.05). Non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, self-efficacy, and social support positively related to all three PA outcomes (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Correlates of older adults’ PA were found at all ecological levels, supporting multiple levels of influence and need for multilevel interventions. Environmental correlates varied by PA outcome. Walking for errands exhibited the most environmental associations.

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Title: Physical Activity in Older Adults: an Ecological Approach
Authors: Christina M. Thornton, JD, MA
Jacqueline Kerr, PhD
Terry L. Conway, PhD
Brian E. Saelens, PhD
James F. Sallis, PhD
David K. Ahn, PhD
Lawrence D. Frank, PhD
Kelli L. Cain, MA
Abby C. King, PhD
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-016-9837-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Physical Activity in Older Adults: an Ecological Approach

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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