Physical Activity Level and Specific Type of Exercises Among US Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess physical activity level and identify specific types of exercises by sex, race/ethnicity, and age for adults 50years and older. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2013, 2015, and 2017 data were used to study US adults 50years and older on their specific types of exercises, stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, and age. Weighted logistic regression was used to model physical exercise level and specific types of exercises. The sample included 460,780 respondents. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic were less likely than non-Hispanic White to meet the recommended physical activity level (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, P < .0001 and OR = 0.96, P = .04, respectively). Walking was the most participated type of exercise, followed by gardening, for both men and women, all racial/ethnic groups, and all age groups. Non-Hispanic Blacks were more likely to participate in walking (OR = 1.19, P = .02) and less likely to participate in gardening (OR = 0.65, P < .0001) than non-Hispanic Whites. Men were more likely to engage in strenuous exercises than women. The average number of minutes on walking was the longest among all types of specific exercises. The types of exercises were mostly walking and gardening for adults aged 50 and older. Non-Hispanic Black adults had less physical activity than non-Hispanic White and were less likely to engage in gardening.