RISK DUE TO INACTIVITY IN PHYSICALLY CAPABLE OLDER ADULTS

Objectives. This study examined the association between recreational p hysical activity among physically capable older adults and functional status, incidence of selected chronic conditions, and mortality over 3 and 6 years. Methods. Data are from three sites of the Established Po pulations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly. Results. A high le vel of recreational physical activity reduced the likelihood of mortal ity over both 3 and 6 years. Moderate to high activity reduced the ris k of physical impairments over 3 years; this effect diminishes after 6 years. A consistent relationship between activity and new myocardial infarction or stroke or the incidence of diabetes or angina was not fo und after 3 or 6 years. Conclusions. Findings suggest that physical ac tivity offers benefits to physically capable older adults, primarily i n reducing the risk of functional decline and mortality. Future work m ust use more objective and quantifiable measures of activity and asses s changes in activity levels over time.