Age Differences in Physical Activity and Weight-Related Behaviors and Correlates in African Americans

Abstract

0282 Faith-based physical activity (PA) programs hold promise for reducing ethnic health disparities in a culturally appropriate manner. Older adults may have the most to gain from these programs, but age tailoring may be necessary. PURPOSE: To examine age differences in PA and weight-related behaviors and correlates. METHODS: The Health-e-AME PA initiative is examining the effects of a PA initiative delivered by trained AME members in churches across SC. From approximately 500 AME churches, 21 were randomly selected to participate in the telephone program evaluation (N = 571 African Americans; 133 were 65+ years). CDC's BRFSS module assessed PA. N = Baseline data are reported. RESULTS: Adults aged 65+ were less likely than other age groups to meet recommendations for moderate to vigorous PA (21% vs. 28–34%), walking (15% vs. 32–40%), and strength training (16% vs. 22–45%) (ps<.01). Among underactive participants, older adults were significantly more likely than other age groups to be in the precontemplation stage of change for increasing PA (p<.01, 45% vs. 14–33%). While rates of overweight did not differ by age (75% were overweight), overweight older adults were less likely than other age groups to report trying to lose weight (39% vs. 63–83%, p<.001) and were more likely to report their weight as “just right” (44% vs. 18–19%, p<.001). In contrast, age was not related to fruit and vegetable consumption or readiness for change. Correlates of meeting CDC/ACSM PA recommendations in those aged 65+ were higher income (p = .06), male gender (p = .01), reporting better health (p = .01), higher PA self-efficacy (p = .001), not having diabetes (p = .09), and reporting that one's neighborhood is a good place to live (p = .07). CONCLUSIONS: Although older African Americans were substantially less active than other age groups, underactive older African Americans reported less intention to increase PA, and overweight older African Americans were less likely to be attempting to lose weight. Interventions that target attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge are likely to be an important first step in increasing readiness for change in this population. These findings underscore the need for both age and cultural tailoring. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.