290 likes | 400 Views
Factors Associated with Physical Activity Frequency among the Elderly: A Longitudinal Investigation. Kelli L. Dominick, Frank M. Ahern, Carol H. Gold. Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University. Project supported by the National Institute on Aging and the
E N D
Factors Associated with Physical Activity Frequency among the Elderly: A Longitudinal Investigation Kelli L. Dominick, Frank M. Ahern, Carol H. Gold Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University Project supported by the National Institute on Aging and the Alcohol Beverage Medical Research Foundation
Introduction • Benefits of regular physical activity for older adults are well-established • Number of individuals 65 years and older expected to grow from 34.7 million to 69.4 million in next 30 years • Important to monitor physical activity patterns and associated factors among growing elderly population
Study Description • Baseline (1990-91) and follow-up (1995-96) studies designed to examine the prevalence and outcomes associated with use of alcohol and alcohol-interactive drugs among the elderly • Mail and telephone surveys • Drug claims data • Only alcohol drinkers at baseline were included in follow-up study
Objectives of Present Investigation • Describe baseline patterns of self-reported physical activity frequency in a population of individuals 65 years and older • Describe changes in physical activity at 5-year follow-up • Identify factors (demographic, physical and emotional health-related, and medication-related) associated with baseline and follow-up physical activity frequency
Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) • Provides pharmaceutical assistance for qualified individuals: • Pennsylvania residents • 65 years of age and older • Income: • < $17,200 if married • < $14,000 if single
Study Sample Description • N=840 • Individuals who were alcohol drinkers at baseline • 72% Female, 28% Male • Mean age: 73.4 + 4.5 years (Range: 66-90)
Patterns of Self-Reported Exercise Frequency % of Subjects
Relationship of Demographic Factors to Exercise Frequency (Controlling for T1 exercise.)
Exercise Frequencies of Younger and Older Subjects % of Subjects Time1 Time 2 Time1 Time 2 65-74 Years 75 + Years
Relationship of Self-Reported Health to Exercise Frequency (Controlling for age, gender, and T1 exercise.) (Controlling for age and gender.)
Relationship of Physical Health to Time 1 Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Very Poor- Poor Fair Good- Excellent
Relationship of Emotional Health to Time 1 Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Very Poor- Poor Fair Good- Excellent
Relationship of Prescription Drug Use to Exercise Frequency (Controlling for age, gender, and T1 exercise.) (Controlling for age and gender.)
Relationship of Total Drug Use to Exercise Frequency Mean number of Drugs
Relationship of Analgesic Use to Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Non-Users Users
Relationship of Psychotherapeutic Drug Use to Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Non-Users Users
Relationship of Medical Conditions to Exercise Frequency (Controlling for age, gender, and T1 exercise.) (Controlling for age and gender.)
Relationship of Medical Conditions to Exercise Frequency (Controlling for age, gender, and T1 exercise.) (Controlling for age and gender.)
Relationship of Arthritis to Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected
Relationship of Depression to Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected
Relationship of Diabetes to Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected
Relationship of Back Pain to Time 1 Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected
Summary • Overall decline in self-reported physical activity frequency over 5 year period • Larger decline among individuals 75 and older at baseline • Baseline physical activity frequency strongly related both physical and emotional health • Certain medical conditions and use of certain prescription medications more strongly related to physical activity frequency
Future Directions • Continue to monitor physical activity in our growing elderly population, with particular attention to those 75 years and older • Examine barriers to physical activity among elderly with different medical conditions • Develop interventions and public health initiatives that may facilitate physical activity in these groups • Explore further the relationship between prescription drug use and physical activity
Relationship of Eye Problems to Time 1 Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected
Relationship of Circulation Problems to Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected
Relationship of Lung Problems to Time 1 Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected
Relationship of GI Problems to Time 1 Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected
Relationship of Dizziness to Time 1 Exercise Frequency % of Subjects Not Affected Affected