Abstract
This study investigated associations of perceived environmental factors with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and screen time (ST) among older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted by administering computer-assisted telephone interviews to 1028 older Taiwanese adults in November 2016. Data on personal factors, perceived environmental factors, LTPA, and ST were included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine associations of environmental perception with LTPA and ST by using logistic regression analyses. The results showed that after adjusting for potential confounders, older adults who perceived their neighborhood with good access to shops (AS) and to public transportation (AT) were more likely to have sufficient LTPA (AS: OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.16–2.32; AT: OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.00–2.03) and less likely to have excessive ST (AS: OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.50–0.97; AT: OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.46–0.90). Different perceived environmental factors were also associated with LTPA and ST, respectively. This study highlights environment perception as a crucial factor for LTPA and ST. These findings suggest that policy makers and physical activity intervention designers should develop both common and individual environmental strategies to improve and increase awareness of the neighborhood environment to promote LTPA and reduce ST among older adults.
Highlights
Sufficient physical activity is associated with better physical and psychological health outcomes, and reduced risks of non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality in older adults [1]
Were female, 33.9% were ≥75 years old, 71.2% had a non-tertiary degree, 89.8% were in a non-full-time job, 23.0% were unmarried, 13.7% were living alone, 50.7% lived in a non-metropolitan area, 19.0%
The main findings of the present study are that two common perceived environmental factors, good access to shops and good access to public transportation, are both related to sufficient levels of leisure-time physical activity (≥150 min/week) and lower screen time (
Summary
Sufficient physical activity is associated with better physical and psychological health outcomes, and reduced risks of non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality in older adults [1]. Studies have shown that participation in leisure-time physical activity offers an opportunity to reduce the prevalence of morbidity in later life and offset a potential burden of aging on the public health sector [2]. Despite the known health benefits associated with participation in the recommended amount of leisure-time physical activity (150 min/week), nearly 40% of older Taiwanese remain inactive [3].
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