Physical Activity, Inflammation, and Physical Function in Older Adults: Results From the Health & Retirement Study.

Abstract

A cross-sectional secondary data analysis from Wave 13 of the Health & Retirement Study (HRS) core biennial data and Venous Blood Study (VBS) was conducted. Structural equation modeling was used to establish the model and test the relationships. Chronic low-level inflammation was moderately negatively correlated with physical activity (r = -0.326) and function (r = -0.367). Latent regressions showed that higher physical activity is associated with better physical function (unstandardized estimate = 0.600, p < .001) while inflammation negatively affects physical function (unstandardized estimate = -0.139, p < .001), and adiposity was not a predictor in the model (p = 0.055). For older adults, preserving physical function by participation in physical activity and decreasing chronic inflammation are key preventive health strategies for older adults to maintain independence, with a need to further explore pro and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.