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Changes in activity level in women aged 40-80 years
1Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia.
Climacteric : the Journal of the International Menopause Society
|September 14, 2007
Summary
Physical activity levels in women aged 40-80 are influenced by baseline activity and body mass index, particularly in younger age groups. Changes in health or stability did not significantly alter activity over five years.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Habitual physical activity is crucial for maintaining health and independence in aging populations.
- Understanding factors influencing physical activity changes over time is essential for targeted health interventions.
- Previous research has explored determinants of physical activity, but longitudinal data in diverse female cohorts is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess habitual physical activity levels in women aged 40-80.
- To document changes in physical activity over a 5-year period.
- To identify demographic and health-related factors influencing these changes.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year prospective cohort study design was employed.
- 459 women aged 40-80 years, residing independently, were recruited.
- Baseline and longitudinal data on age, activity level, body mass index, comorbidities, falls, and medications were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Baseline physical activity level and body mass index were significant predictors of activity change (p<0.000).
- Changes in demographic factors over the study period did not influence activity level changes.
- Younger women (forties and fifties) showed a significant effect of baseline body mass index on activity change.
Conclusions:
- Initial physical activity levels and body mass index in younger women are key determinants of long-term activity changes.
- Factors such as unsteadiness or a history of falls did not act as catalysts for increased physical activity.
- These findings highlight the importance of early lifestyle factors in shaping sustained physical activity in women.
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