2013 | Fei Sun¹, Ian J Norman² and Alison E While²
This systematic review examines physical activity (PA) levels among older adults (aged 60+), focusing on compliance with PA guidelines. Fifty-three studies published between 2000 and 2011 were analyzed. The percentage of older adults meeting recommended PA levels ranged from 2.4% to 83%. Variability in PA definitions and measurement methods across studies posed challenges for data analysis. Older adults were less likely to be regularly active than younger adults, and women were less likely than men to achieve regular PA, especially leisure-time PA.
The review highlights the need for studies using representative samples and validated measurement methods to compare PA levels over time and between countries. PA levels varied widely across countries and age groups, with some populations showing higher levels of activity. However, many older adults did not meet recommended PA levels. Self-reported and objectively measured PA data showed discrepancies, with objective measures often indicating lower activity levels.
Gender differences were evident, with men generally more active than women. Residential differences also influenced PA levels, with urban areas often showing higher activity than rural areas. Trends over time showed mixed results, with some countries showing increases in PA levels while others, like Brazil, saw declines.
The review underscores the importance of accurate PA measurement and the need for further research to understand PA levels among older adults. It also highlights the global health burden of physical inactivity and the need for public health initiatives to promote PA in older populations. The findings emphasize the importance of consistent, validated measurement methods and the need for more research to inform effective public health strategies.This systematic review examines physical activity (PA) levels among older adults (aged 60+), focusing on compliance with PA guidelines. Fifty-three studies published between 2000 and 2011 were analyzed. The percentage of older adults meeting recommended PA levels ranged from 2.4% to 83%. Variability in PA definitions and measurement methods across studies posed challenges for data analysis. Older adults were less likely to be regularly active than younger adults, and women were less likely than men to achieve regular PA, especially leisure-time PA.
The review highlights the need for studies using representative samples and validated measurement methods to compare PA levels over time and between countries. PA levels varied widely across countries and age groups, with some populations showing higher levels of activity. However, many older adults did not meet recommended PA levels. Self-reported and objectively measured PA data showed discrepancies, with objective measures often indicating lower activity levels.
Gender differences were evident, with men generally more active than women. Residential differences also influenced PA levels, with urban areas often showing higher activity than rural areas. Trends over time showed mixed results, with some countries showing increases in PA levels while others, like Brazil, saw declines.
The review underscores the importance of accurate PA measurement and the need for further research to understand PA levels among older adults. It also highlights the global health burden of physical inactivity and the need for public health initiatives to promote PA in older populations. The findings emphasize the importance of consistent, validated measurement methods and the need for more research to inform effective public health strategies.