The continuity of physical activity - a retrospective and prospective study among older people

This study investigated the continuity of life-span physical activity by ex amining the predictors of the maintenance of a high level of physical activ ity over 8 years among subjects aged 65-84 years at the baseline, in 1988, in Jyvaskyla, Finland, Age, education, marital status and chronic condition s and past physical activity were studied at the baseline, In men and women , self-reported competitive sport participation from as early as 10-19 year s of age was a significant predictor for maintaining activity in old age. A lso women's participation in recreational sports at the age of 40-64 years predicted activity. We concluded that past physical activity is strongly co nnected to maintaining a high level of physical activity in old age regardl ess of chronic conditions that may develop.