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Published on: March 7, 2019
Factors Associated With the Intention to Begin Physical Activity Among Inactive Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Ariane S Massie1, Heather Johnston1, Daniel Sibley1
1York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Understanding physical activity (PA) intention is key for behavior change in older adults. Factors like age, ethnicity, and education influence the intention to become more physically active.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Behavioral intention strongly predicts behavior change.
- Limited research exists on factors influencing the intention to increase physical activity (PA) in inactive middle-aged and older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate demographic, biopsychosocial, and temporal factors associated with the intention to increase PA in inactive adults aged 40+.
- To compare factors influencing short-term (30-day) versus medium-term (6-month) PA intention.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 1,159 inactive adults (aged 40+) from the Canadian Community Health Survey.
- Utilized the transtheoretical model (TTM) framework.
- Employed multinomial and binary logistic regression to identify significant predictors of PA intention.
Main Results:
- Age, sex, ethnicity, education, activity restriction, self-perceived health, and community belonging were associated with 30-day PA intention.
- Age and ethnicity were associated with 6-month PA intention.
- Lower education levels were linked to a reduced likelihood of reporting 30-day PA intention compared to 6-month intention.
Conclusions:
- Demographic, biopsychosocial, and temporal factors significantly influence PA intention in older adults.
- Tailored PA promotion programs are needed to address specific barriers and constraints affecting intention in this population.
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