Physical Activity In Older Women Research Articles

Differences in Falls and Physical Activity in Older Women From Two Generations.

Falls and physical inactivity increase with age. However, physical activity, falls and their associations in older people born at different times are unclear. Women born 1921-26 and 1946-51 who completed follow-up questionnaires in 1999 (n = 8403, mean (SD) age: 75 (1) years) and 2019 (n = 7555; 71 (1) years) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Self-reported noninjurious and injurious falls in the previous 12 months and weekly amounts and types of physical activity (brisk walking, moderate- and vigorous-intensity) were compared between the cohorts using Chi-square tests. Associations between physical activity, and noninjurious and injurious falls were estimated using multinomial logistic regressions informed by a directed acyclic graph. A greater proportion of the later (1946-51) cohort (59%) reached 150-300 minutes of weekly physical activity, as recommended by the World Health Organization, compared to the earlier (1921-26) cohort (43%, p < .001). A greater proportion of the later cohort reported noninjurious falls (14% vs 8%). Both cohorts reported similar proportions of injurious falls (1946-51:15%, 1921-26:14%). In both cohorts, participation in 150-300 minutes of physical activity was associated with lower odds of noninjurious falls (adjusted Odds Ratio, 95% CI: 1921-26: 0.66, 0.52-0.84; 1946-51: 0.78, 0.63-0.97) and injurious falls (1921-26: 0.72, 0.60-0.87; 1946-51: 0.78, 0.64-0.96). Participation in recommended levels of physical activity was associated with reduced falls in both cohorts. However, generational differences were found with more falls and more physical activities in the women born later. Future studies could examine the reasons contributing to the generational differences.

Physical Activity and Diet in Older Women: A Narrative Review

Physical activity and diet are essential for maintaining good health and preventing the development of non-communicable diseases, especially in the older adults. One aspect that is often over-looked is the different response between men and women to exercise and nutrients. The body's response to exercise and to different nutrients as well as the choice of foods is different in the two sexes and is strongly influenced by the different hormonal ages in women. The present narrative review analyzes the effects of gender on nutrition and physical activity in older women. Understanding which components of diet and physical activity affect the health status of older women would help target non-pharmacological but lifestyle-related therapeutic interventions. It is interesting to note that this analysis shows a lack of studies dedicated to older women and a lack of studies dedicated to the interactions between diet and physical activity in women. Gender medicine is a current need that still finds little evidence.

Performance Of The Wrist-worn Actigraph GT3X+ In Measuring Physical Activity In Older Women

The ActiGraph GT3X+ (ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL) has been worn on the wrist in studies with the purpose of measuring sleep. However, its performance in assessing physical activity (PA) when worn on the wrist remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study examined the performance of the wrist-worn GT3X+ accelerometer in measuring energy expenditure of PA (PAEE) and classifying PA intensity in a healthy, non-obese population of older women. METHODS: Women [n = 89, age = 65.6 (4.3)] wore the GT3X+ and the SenseWear Armband Mini monitor (SWAM, BodyMedia Inc. Pittsburgh, PA) concurrently for 2 weeks when then doubly labeled water method (DLW) was used to determine total daily energy expenditure (EE). Indirect calorimetry was performed on the last day of the 2 weeks to determine resting EE. Manufacturer-provided software was used to process GT3X+ (2 equations were selected) and SWAM data. Bivariate correlations, Intra Class Correlations, and Bland-Altman plots were performed to evaluate agreement between the GT3X+ and criterion measures for time spent in sedentary, light and moderate-to-vigorous PA (determined by SWAM) and PAEE (determined by SWAM and by DLW and resting EE). An epoch-by-epoch (EBE) analysis was performed to evaluate discrepancy and agreement of PA intensity classification between the GT3X+ and the SWAM. RESULTS: For PAEE, the GT3X+ showed a moderate correlation with criterion measures (r = 0.413 and 0.400 with the SWAM and r = 0.564 and 0.501 with DLW and resting EE), but Bland-Altman plots showed large variability. When estimating time spent in PA intensity, the GT3X+ underestimated sedentary time and overestimated PA intensity when compared to the SWAM. During the EBE analysis, the GT3X+ misclassified light intensity PA as moderate-to-vigorous PA 72% of the time. However, vector magnitude counts per minute (CPM) showed a strong correlation with criterion measures (r = 0.68 and 0.625 for SWAM and DLW and resting EE respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The currently available PAEE estimation equations from the manufacturer-provided software do not allow us to accurately measure PAEE or PA intensity with the wrist-worn GT3X+ in a population of older women. A high correlation of CPM from the GT3X+ with criterion measures indicates that the problem may lie in the available equations and cut points, not in the device itself.

Effect of Citrulline and Leucine Intake with Exercises on Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Amino Acid Concentration in Older Women: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

The combined intake of citrulline (CIT) and leucine (LEU) can stimulate protein synthesis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of combined intake of CIT and LEU accompanied by exercise for 20 weeks on body composition, physical activity (PA), and amino acid concentrations in older Japanese women with low body mass index (BMI) (16 to 21 kg/m2) using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The supplement was administered twice a day for 20 weeks (Ex (exercise) + CIT·LEU group, n = 10: mainly 0.8 g CIT and 1.6 g LEU; Ex + Placebo group, n = 13: mainly 3.5 g carbohydrate). Additionally, both groups exercised (weight-bearing exercise, square stepping exercise) once a week for 75 min. Body composition, PA, and amino acid concentrations in the plasma were measured. Body weight, BMI, body mass, household PA, total PA, and phenylalanine significantly increased in the Ex + CIT·LEU group (p < 0.05) post intervention. This study suggests that the combined intake of CIT and LEU accompanied by exercise can improve body weight, BMI, body mass, and PA in older women with low BMI, which may prevent sarcopenia and frailty.

Social Distancing During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Physical Activity In Older Women - An Accelerometer-based Analysis

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 30 minutes of MVPA per day for older adults to reduce the risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease. Older women with an increased cardiovascular risk may particularly benefit from physical activity, but social distancing measures may limit their opportunities to be physically active. Little is known about their physical activity (PA) behavior under varying social distancing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to objectively assess the prevalence of PA in older women with an increased cardiovascular risk in Germany during two stages of social distancing measures. METHODS: The PA behavior of a non-representative sample of women aged 60 years and older living in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, was assessed twice using three-dimensional accelerometers worn at the hip for 10 days, at least 10 hours per day. Assessments were first performed between August and November 2020 in the context of light social distancing measures, and then repeated after 3-5 months starting from December 2020, when stricter social distancing policies were in place. Energy expenditure and time spent in MVPA was calculated from raw counts using the Freedson equation and cut-offs. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: A preliminary analysis of the data of n = 109 older women (68.8 ± 7.0 years) with mostly light cardiovascular risk showed an activity-induced energy expenditure of 304 ± 181 kcal/day, and a MET-rate of 1.20 ± 0.15 during light social distancing. Participants accumulated 44 ± 32 minutes of MVPA per day, with 68% surpassing 30 min of MVPA/day. CONCLUSION: First results indicate that despite light social distancing restrictions, a surprisingly high proportion of our sample of women aged 60 years and older reached WHO recommendations. It remains to be seen from the data collected between December 2020 and February 2021 if the participants were able to maintain their physical activity level during stricter social distancing policies.

Promoting physical activity in older women to maximize health.

Physical activity can maximize health by improving disease-oriented and patient-oriented outcomes in women age 60 and older. General activity levels are low in the United States. Promoting physical activity in clinical practice is limited by time constraints and knowledge deficits. Understanding the benefits of the specific type of physical activity, the intensity, and the level in older women helps clinicians provide focused, time-efficient counseling in primary care. This review details the benefits of physical activity in older women by disease state.

Skeletal muscle index and its association with mobility among community‐dwelling older women

Background: The loss of muscle function and reduced mobility levels are the main reasons for the limitations of independence and disability in older people. The main aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the skeletal muscle index and mobility in older women. Material and methods: ‪The study involved 166 older women. Skeletal muscle mass and other body components were determined by bioimpedance using an InBody 720 device. Functional mobility was evaluated with the timed up-and-go test. 30-second chair stand was also used to measure the level of functional strength in lower extremities. Results: ‪The skeletal muscle index was positively correlated with functional mobility (r=-0.22; p=0.00) and 30-second chair stand (r=-0.47; p=0.00). However, the strength of lower extremities was a significantly better parameter in predicting mobility in older women than the skeletal muscle index and skeletal muscle mass. Conclusions: The functional strength of lower extremity muscles and the skeletal muscle index can have a positive effect on functional mobility in older people. The results may be helpful in clinical practice when diagnosing mobility limitations and in the process of programming physical activity of older women aimed at the prevention of sarcopenia.

Walking energetics and abductor strength are associated with physical activity in older women with hip osteoarthritis

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) can hinder physical activity in older adults for reasons that are not fully understood. Functional barriers may exist such as reduced muscle strength around the affected joint, potentially affecting physical activity. Aging-associated declines in energy capacity may also be exacerbated by OA. These factors may work together to influence physical activity in people with OA. Research questionOur objective was to evaluate the combined role of walking energetics and hip abductor strength on physical activity in older women with hip OA. MethodsWe evaluated 30 women with moderately symptomatic hip OA (61 ± 10 yrs; 30.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2) in this cross-sectional observational study. We measured physical activity using the UCLA activity score and quantified activity frequency and intensity using accelerometers worn for seven days (7 ± 2 days). We used a portable oxygen exchange system to measure energy used during walking at preferred speeds (relative to total energy capacity assessed using a six-minute walk test) and a dynamometer to measure hip abductor strength. We used Pearson correlations and regression analysis to test our hypotheses. ResultsGreater energy used during walking was associated with lower self-reported physical activity (R=-0.626, p < 0.001), more sedentary time (R = 0.567, p = 0.002), and less light activity time (R=-0.644, p < 0.001). Lower hip abductor strength was associated with lower self-reported physical activity (R = 0.406, p = 0.039). While there was no association between hip abductor strength and energy used during walking, together these variables predicted 55.5 % of the variance in self-reported physical activity. SignificanceResults suggest intervention targets to promote physical activity in this population.

Friendships Forged in Fitness: An Ethnographic Exploration of Older Women’s Social Experiences in Water Aerobics

Research shows that participants, especially older women, are more likely to adhere to a fitness program when they have social supports. Gerontology research also demonstrates that the social relationships forged by older women at community and fitness centers can be long-lasting and provide a variety of supportive functions. Older adults respond well to pool- or water-based aerobic exercises that are safe on the joints and provide a comfortable environment away from the intimidating nature of the gym. Therefore, water-based classes provided at community fitness centers are well positioned to provide ample social opportunities to further reinforce continued physical activity for older women, resulting in health and quality-of-life improvements. This project is a 5-month ethnographic exploration of the social relationships created and maintained in the context of water-based fitness classes (water aerobics) at a local community center (YMCA) that is attended by a culturally diverse group of older adults. The friendships forged by women in the pool at the YMCA provide a variety of social supports that help to maintain healthy aging outcomes among participants. Drawing on components of Activity Theory and Social Support Theory, this presentation utilizes participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires (N=35) to provide an anthropological “thick description” of the important role that fitness center friendships can form in the social lives of older women in the U.S.

Association between Health Indicators and Health-Related Quality of Life according to Physical Activity of Older Women.

The purpose of this study was to compare sociodemographic factors, health factors and nutritional status according to the physical activity of older women, and to analyze the factors affecting their quality of life. The subjects of this study were 5661 older women aged 60 or older who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) from 2008 to 2013. The socioeconomic factors, subjective health status and disease status, lifestyle and dietary quality, and life quality were compared among two groups (active group and inactive group). The inactive group had significantly higher rates of obesity and unemployment, comorbidities, numbers without spouses, experiencing stress, poor subjective health status, depression or suicidal thoughts, and also higher rates of skipping meals. The life quality index and dietary quality was also significantly lower in the inactive group, and subjects experienced significantly higher pain or discomfort and problems in mobility and the usual activities. The results of multivariate analysis after adjusting for age in groups engaging in physical activities showed the life quality index to increase in accordance with the diet quality, economic income, and education level. It was confirmed that life quality was significantly low if the participant showed a poor subjective health evaluation, obese with many diseases, spouseless, and experienced high levels of stress. Considering the rapid aging and high life expectancy of women, regular physical activity is very important for maintaining health and improving the life quality of older women, and it is believed that comprehensive attention and management of lifestyle and diet quality are necessary.

Sedentary Time and Physical Activity in Older Women Undergoing Exercise Training.

This study aimed to examine the effects of a 16-wk aerobic exercise training on time spent being sedentary and on light-intensity PA (LPA) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) and step numbers in older women. Inactive women (n = 61; age = 65.5 ± 4.3 yr) participated in moderate-intensity walking of either a low or a moderate dose (33.6 and 58.8 kJ·kg body weight per week, respectively). They wore a SenseWear Mini Armband at baseline and at end intervention to determine sedentary, LPA, and MVPA time and step numbers. Time being sedentary, or spent on LPA and MVPA, did not change differently by exercise groups with different doses (all P values for group-time interaction >0.580). Overall, time being sedentary reduced from baseline to end intervention by approximately 39 min·d (P < 0.001), and LPA increased by 19 min·d (P = 0.003). MVPA time increased (P < 0.001), which was primarily accounted for by the supervised exercise. Interestingly, daily steps increased more in the moderate-dose than the low-dose group (P = 0.023 for group-time interaction; 33.6% and 19.8% median increase in moderate- and low-dose groups, respectively). Also, there were individual differences in these changes. Results indicated that, on average, older women did not reduce time of LPA or MVPA outside the exercise program or increase sedentary time as a result of participating in the exercise program.

Accelerometer-measured Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Incidence in the WHI OPACH Study

Abstract To examine the associations between accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) and breast cancer incidence among a cohort of postmenopausal women. Methods: This longitudinal study included 6,382 women (mean age 79 ± 6 years; 49.4% non-Hispanic white, 33.7% non-Hispanic Black, 16.9% Hispanic) without a history of breast cancer who participated in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health (OPACH) Study. During 2012–2013, participants wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer at the hip for up to 7 days. Accelerometer intensity counts were specially calibrated to PA in older women. The resulting data were used to compute minutes per day spent in total PA, light intensity PA (e.g., usual walking), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA; e.g., brisk walking). Physician-adjudicated first diagnosis of in situ (n = 18) or invasive (n = 103) breast cancer was ascertained over a median follow-up of 5.6 years. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for tertiles and one-standard deviation (SD) unit increments of PA exposures in association with breast cancer incidence. We examined effect measure modification by age, race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and smoking history. Results: The highest (vs. lowest) tertile of total PA was associated with a breast cancer incidence HR of 0.67 (95% CI = 0.43–1.05) and this association was more pronounced for MVPA (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.38–1.00) than for light PA (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.53–1.26). In BMI-stratified analyses, HRs for total (PInteraction = 0.04) and light PA (PInteraction = 0.01), but not MVPA (PInteraction = 0.79), were stronger among women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (n cancer events = 48; total PA HRper one-SD = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50–0.96; light PA HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50–0.95) than among women with BMI &amp;lt; 30 kg/m2 (n cancer events = 73; total PA HRper one-SD = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.84–1.38; light PA HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.89–1.44). Age, race/ethnicity, and cigarette smoking history did not strongly modify these associations (PInteraction's ≥ 0.16). Conclusions: Engaging in high levels of PA may play a beneficial role in the prevention of breast cancer in older women, and in particular among postmenopausal women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2.

Physical Activity of Older Women Living in Retirement Communities: Capturing the Whole Picture Through an Ecological Approach.

Interventions to increase physical activity among older populations may prevent or delay disability in activities of daily living and premature death. In our research, we focused on older women living independently in retirement communities, who commonly experience declining health. The purpose was to identify factors influencing physical activity in older women and to create a practical checklist to guide physical therapists in physical activity interventions within retirement communities. The study was qualitative and guided by the Vancouver School of Doing Phenomenology. The data set comprised 12 in-depth interviews with 10 women, as 2 of the women were interviewed twice to deepen the understanding of their experience. They were aged 72 to 97 years (median = 84 years, interquartile range = 11 years) and lived in 7 different apartment buildings in the same urban area. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify factors influencing the physical activity behavior of the women. We then linked these factors to the Bronfenbrenner's ecological model and finally constructed a checklist for mapping the influencing factors. The physical activity experience of the older women reflected both facilitating and hindering factors from all layers of the ecological model. The largest part of the women's description was constructed around personal factors and the immediate physical and social environment. Yet, important influencing factors were expressed reflecting community, society, and the lifespan. Finally, the practical checklist created to guide physical activity interventions included 40 questions reflecting 24 influencing factors covering important layers of the ecological model. To deal with the epidemic of a sedentary lifestyle in older populations, physical therapists must join forces with health authorities and work with the complexities of physical activity promotion at appropriate levels. Our results and the checklist are a potential resource to aid in identifying physical activity influencing factors that are appropriate for physical therapy intervention, within retirement communities. Moreover, this checklist may be used to recognize factors that are more suitable for public health interventions at the community or national levels.

Physical Activity and Incidence of Heart Failure in Postmenopausal Women

ObjectivesThis study prospectively examined physical activity levels and the incidence of heart failure (HF) in 137,303 women, ages 50 to 79 years, and examined a subset of 35,272 women who, it was determined, had HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with reduced EF (HFrEF). BackgroundThe role of physical activity in HF risk among older women is unclear, particularly for incidence of HFpEF or HFrEF. MethodsWomen were free of HF and reported ability to walk at least 1 block without assistance at baseline. Recreational physical activity was self-reported. The study documented 2,523 cases of total HF, and 451 and 734 cases of HFrEF and HFpEF, respectively, during a mean 14-year follow-up. ResultsAfter controlling for age, race, education, income, smoking, alcohol, hormone therapy, and hysterectomy status, compared with women who reported no physical activity (reference group), inverse associations were observed across incremental tertiles of total physical activity for overall HF (hazard ratio [HR]: Tertile 1 = 0.89, Tertile 2 = 0.74, Tertile 3 = 0.65; trend p < 0.001), HFpEF (HR: 0.93, 0.70, 0.68; p < 0.001), and HFrEF (HR: 0.81, 0.59, 0.68; p = 0.01). Additional controlling for potential mediating factors included attenuated time-varying coronary heart disease (CHD) (nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization) diagnosis but did not eliminate the inverse associations. Walking, the most common form of physical activity in older women, was also inversely associated with HF risks (overall: 1.00, 0.98, 0.93, 0.72; p < 0.001; HFpEF: 1.00, 0.98, 0.87, 0.67; p < 0.001; HFrEF: 1.00, 0.75, 0.78, 0.67; p = 0.01). Associations between total physical activity and HF were consistent across subgroups, defined by age, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, physical function, and CHD diagnosis. Analysis of physical activity as a time-varying exposure yielded findings comparable to those of baseline physical activity. ConclusionsHigher levels of recreational physical activity, including walking, are associated with significantly reduced HF risk in community-dwelling older women.

Longitudinal associations between lifestyle, socio-economic position and physical functioning in women at different life stages.

Women's physical functioning declines with age and the rate of decline increases with age, but substantial disparities exist in trajectories over time. To inform development of interventions to optimise physical functioning across the adult life span, the aim is to explore which lifestyle and socio-economic position (SEP) factors contribute to disparities in physical functioning across the adult life span in women. Younger (born 1973-1978, n = 14,247), middle-aged (born 1946-1951, n = 13,715) and older (born 1921-1926, n = 12,432) participants from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed six questionnaires between 1996 and 2012 at approximate 3-year intervals. Physical functioning was measured with a 10-item subscale of the Short-Form Health Survey (score 1-100). Relationships between age and physical functioning were modelled using spline regression, stratified by baseline categories of physical activity, alcohol intake, smoking status, level of education, managing on income and index of neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage for area. Multivariable models excluding one of the six factors were compared with models including all six factors to examine the relative importance of each factor. Women with unhealthy lifestyles (inactive, smokers or risky alcohol intake) and lower SEP had lower levels of physical functioning and more rapid declines across the adult life span. The variables with the greatest relative contribution to the models for physical functioning differed by age cohort: i.e. education and physical activity in younger women, managing on income and physical activity in middle-aged women and physical activity in older women. For optimal physical functioning, socio-economic factors seemed particularly important in younger and middle-aged women, while physical activity seemed important at all ages.

Can a Lifestyle Intervention Increase Active Transportation in Women Aged 55-70 years? Secondary Outcomes From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Physical activity confers many health benefits to older adults, and adopting activity into daily life routines may lead to better uptake. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of a lifestyle intervention to increase daily physical activity in older women through utilitarian walking and use of public transportation. In total, 25 inactive women with mean age (SD) of 64.1 (4.6) years participated in this pilot randomized controlled trial [intervention (n = 13) and control (n = 12)]. Seven-day travel diaries (trips per week) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (minutes per week) were collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months. At 3 months, intervention participants reported 9 walking trips per week and 643.5 minutes per week of active transportation, whereas control participants reported 4 walking trips per week and 49.5minutes per week of active transportation. Adjusting for baseline values, there were significant group differences favoring Everyday Activity Supports You for walking trips per week [4.6 (0.5 to 9.4); P = .04] and active transportation minutes per week [692.2 (36.1 to 1323.5); P = .05]. At 6 months, significant group differences were observed in walking trips per week [6.1 (1.9 to 11.4); P = .03] favoring the intervention (9 vs 2 trips per week). Given these promising findings, the next step is to test Everyday Activity Supports You model's effectiveness to promote physical activity in older women within a larger study.

A pilot study combining Go4Life® materials with an interactive voice response system to promote physical activity in older women

ABSTRACTTelephone-based interactive voice response (IVR) systems could be an effective tool for promotion of physical activity among older women. To test IVR feasibility, we enrolled 30 older women in a 10-week physical activity intervention designed around National Institute on Aging (NIA) Go4Life® educational materials with IVR coaching. Participants (mean age = 76 years) significantly increased physical activity by a mean 79 ± 116 (SD) minutes/week (p < .001). Participants reported that the Go4Life® materials, pedometer, and IVR coaching (70% reported easy technology) were useful tools for change. This pilot study demonstrates IVR acceptability as an evidence-based physical activity program for older women.

Dynamic Stability is Associated with Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Older Women

Dynamic Stability is Associated with Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Older Women

Stronger Than You Think: Older Women and Physical Activity

Many negative stereotypes of older women are related to changes in the body that render it incompetent (e.g., weak, frail, debilitated). Such stereotypes disempower women in the eyes of others and in their own eyes if they come to embody the stereotype. One way to resist the stereotype and remain empowered is to engage in regular physical activity, which increases stamina, energy, muscle strength, joint flexibility, and balance. Here we review the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity for older women and discuss the barriers that keep many older women from regular exercise. We discuss ways that feminist therapists can encourage their older clients to become more physically active, provide information about role models who can inspire clients, and suggest resources suitable for recommendation.

Associations of Neighborhood Environment and Walking in Korean Elderly Women

The purposes of this study were (1) to describe patterns in leisure time walking of Korean urban and rural senior females, (2) to examine urban-rural differences in perceived environmental variables associated with walking behavior, and (3) to explore potential effects of neighborhood attributes on walking of elderly women. This study presents the results of a cross-sectional survey of female seniors in urban (n=216) and rural areas (n=221) of Korea in 2014. A series of logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the self-reported measures of the variables associated with walking. The results found that significantly more urban females, 42.6% engaged in the “recommended” amount of walking activity compared to 29.0% of rural females. Overall, rural females had higher social support, lower intention, and lower self-efficacy than urban females. Also, rural senior females were comparatively dissatisfied with their walking environments compared to their urban counterparts. After adjusting for age, income, and education, for rural women, proximity to parks was the strongest positive association with attaining the recommended level of walking followed by street trees. For urban women, crime safety was an important environmental variable to meet physical activity recommendations. These findings support the importance of environmental influences on physical activity in older women and are useful for developing physical activity interventions to women in urban and rural communities.