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Social, Environmental and Psychological Factors Associated with Objective Physical Activity Levels in the Over 65s

Author

Listed:
  • Marion E T McMurdo
  • Ishbel Argo
  • Iain K Crombie
  • Zhiqiang Feng
  • Falko F Sniehotta
  • Thenmalar Vadiveloo
  • Miles D Witham
  • Peter T Donnan

Abstract

Objective: To assess physical activity levels objectively using accelerometers in community dwelling over 65 s and to examine associations with health, social, environmental and psychological factors. Design: Cross sectional survey. Setting: 17 general practices in Scotland, United Kingdom. Participants: Random sampling of over 65 s registered with the practices in four strata young-old (65–80 years), old-old (over 80 years), more affluent and less affluent groups. Main Outcome Measures: Accelerometry counts of activity per day. Associations between activity and Theory of Planned Behaviour variables, the physical environment, health, wellbeing and demographic variables were examined with multiple regression analysis and multilevel modelling. Results: 547 older people (mean (SD) age 79(8) years, 54% female) were analysed representing 94% of those surveyed. Accelerometry counts were highest in the affluent younger group, followed by the deprived younger group, with lowest levels in the deprived over 80 s group. Multiple regression analysis showed that lower age, higher perceived behavioural control, the physical function subscale of SF-36, and having someone nearby to turn to were all independently associated with higher physical activity levels (R2 = 0.32). In addition, hours of sunshine were independently significantly associated with greater physical activity in a multilevel model. Conclusions: Other than age and hours of sunlight, the variables identified are modifiable, and provide a strong basis for the future development of novel multidimensional interventions aimed at increasing activity participation in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • Marion E T McMurdo & Ishbel Argo & Iain K Crombie & Zhiqiang Feng & Falko F Sniehotta & Thenmalar Vadiveloo & Miles D Witham & Peter T Donnan, 2012. "Social, Environmental and Psychological Factors Associated with Objective Physical Activity Levels in the Over 65s," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(2), pages 1-6, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0031878
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031878
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    Cited by:

    1. Iago Portela-Pino & Myriam Alvariñas-Villaverde & Margarita Pino-Juste, 2021. "Environmental Barriers as a Determining Factor of Physical Activity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-12, March.
    2. Janet Withall & Afroditi Stathi & Mark Davis & Jo Coulson & Janice L. Thompson & Kenneth R. Fox, 2014. "Objective Indicators of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time and Associations with Subjective Well-Being in Adults Aged 70 and Over," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Wu, Jih-hwa & Li, Shu-Hua & Sung, Wei-Ying, 2016. "The study of perceived environment and its relation to senior citizen's physical activity behavior intention," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(6), pages 2259-2264.
    4. Jolanthe de Koning & Suzanne H Richards & Grace E R Wood & Afroditi Stathi, 2021. "Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-16, April.
    5. Yang Zhang & Bo Qu & Shisi Lun & Dongbo Wang & Ying Guo & Jie Liu, 2012. "Quality of Life of Medical Students in China: A Study Using the WHOQOL-BREF," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(11), pages 1-9, November.

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