ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE AMONG OLDER ADULTS

The antecedents and consequences of four markers of physical activity and exercise are examined for the 6,780 baseline self-respondents to t he Longitudinal Study on Aging. These dichotomous markers reflect havi ng a level of physical activity greater than one's peers (45.8%), gett ing as much exercise as needed (58.9%), having a regular exercise rout ine (28.4%), and walking a mile or more at least once a week (29.9%). The major factors associated with engaging in these behaviors are havi ng fewer lower body limitations, better perceived health, more non-kin social supports, not worrying about one's health, and having a sense of control over one's health. When added to traditional models predict ing subsequent (over the next 6 to 8 years) mortality, nursing home pl acement, hospital resource consumption, and changes in functional stat us, the four markers of physical activity and exercise have numerous s tatistically and substantively significant associations, all of which involve better health outcomes.