Perceived Opportunities for Physical Activity and Willingness to Be More Active in Older Adults with Different Physical Activity Levels

Abstract

This study examined equity in physical activity (PA) by investigating whether perceived opportunity for PA was associated with willingness to be more active. Among community residents (75, 80, or 85 years old, n = 962) perceived opportunity for PA (poor and good), willingness to be more active (not at all, a bit, and a lot), and level of PA (low, moderate, and high) were assessed via questionnaires. Multinomial logistic regression showed that physical activity moderated the association between poor opportunity and willingness to increase PA. Among those with moderate PA, poor opportunity for PA increased the odds of willingness to be a lot more active (multinomial odds ratio, mOR 3.90, 95% confidence interval 2.21–6.87) than not wanting to be more active compared to those perceiving good opportunities. Associations were similar at high PA levels (p < 0.001), but were not found at low PA levels. Those with moderate or high PA wish to increase their activity particularly when the perceived opportunities for activity are not optimal. Among those with low PA, perceived opportunities are not associated with a perceived need to increase physical activity. Increasing equity in physical activity in old age requires provision of support and opportunities at every level of physical activity.

Promoting outdoor recreation among older adults in Sweden – a theoretical and empirical foundation for the development of an intervention

“…Thus, we believe, in line with a person-centered approach, that it is important to identify the outdoor activities and which context the person actually wants to participate in. This to support older adults’ self-perception of his/her ability in outdoor recreation [ 59 ].…”

Urban Therapy—Urban Health Path as an Innovative Urban Function to Strengthen the Psycho-Physical Condition of the Elderly

“…Important research results also indicate the role of social and physical activities, community life facilities and services, social networks, and a clean and pleasant environment as important factors that should be considered in enhancing the social well-being of the elderly in urban renewal processes [ 24 ]. The importance of physical activity and its supportive role in quality of life has been presented in a variety of lifestyles [ 24 , 25 , 26 ], home interventions, and environmental support to increase physical activity [ 27 , 28 ]. Furthermore, the role of technological tools in promoting active ageing has been strongly underlined [ 29 ].…”