Factors associated with objectively-derived physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults

Abstract

Abstract Background Identification of factors associated with older adults' physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) is essential to inform effective targeted prevention strategies to prevent the impact of lack of PA and high sedentary time on health in older adults. While most previous studies examined factors associated activity levels separately, this study investigated factors associated with the activity distribution using the continuum of acceleration, avoiding loss of information that could arise from categorization of activity levels. Methods This study included 3896 participants (25.3% women, mean [range] age: 69.4 [60-83] years) from the Whitehall II accelerometer sub-study. The association of socio-demographic, lifestyle and cardiometabolic factors with the whole activity intensity distribution and time in SB, light PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA was examined using functional data analysis and linear regressions, respectively. The consistency of the associated factors over time was examined using factors assessed at the time of the activity measure, and 9 and 18 years prior this measure. Results Cross-sectional analyses showed participants who were older, current smokers, obese, with chronic conditions, and those reporting poor SF36 physical component score spent more time in the lowest acceleration intensities at the expense of less time in higher intensities. Occupational position in men and SF36-mental component score in women were additionally associated with activity distribution. In both men and women, the pattern of factors associated with PA and SB were generally similar in prospective and cross-sectional analyses. Conclusions This study confirms socio-demographic disparities in PA and SB and identify several modifiable factors which are eligible to health promotion interventions. Factors associated with activity intensity distribution at older age were consistent in the 20 years before physical activity measure. Key messages Factors associated with activity intensity distribution at older age slightly differ between men and women. Factors associated with activity intensity distribution at older age were consistent whether they were assessed in mid-life or at older age suggesting promotion of PA shall start as early as possible.