Lc. Burton et al., Determinants of physical activity initiation and maintenance among community-dwelling older persons, PREV MED, 29(5), 1999, pp. 422-430
Background. Understanding determinants of initiation and maintenance of an
active lifestyle among older individuals is of great concern to public heal
th because of the increasing evidence that lifestyle may alter the course o
f frequently occurring chronic diseases.
Method Two thousand five hundred seven community-dwelling Medicare benefici
aries age 65 and over were interviewed at three points over 4 years regardi
ng their physical activity, defined as a self-report of walking briskly, ga
rdening, or heavy housework, at least three times a week. Extensive data we
re also collected on health status, health services use, sociodemographics,
and, at the final interview, self-mastery, importance of various factors i
n the decision to be physically active, and interaction with their physicia
n regarding physical activity. Determinants of initiation and maintenance o
f physical activity were identified using logistic regressions.
Results. Forty-one percent maintained an active lifestyle; 12% initiated an
active lifestyle; 22% declined to become sedentary; 25% were sedentary at
all observation. Predictors of both initiation and maintenance of physical
activity were younger age, moderate to excellent health, and the patient's
belief that physical activity was important to his/her health. Among the 30
1 patients who initiated activity, 40% said their physician was a very impo
rtant influence.
Conclusions. Strengthening the belief of older individuals in the benefits
to their health of physical activity holds promise for increasing the propo
rtion of community-dwelling older persons who move from a sedentary lifesty
le to a more physically active lifestyle and for maintaining such activity.
(C) 1999 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.