Article available from: www.scielo.br/rsp Physical activity in the older adults related to commuting and leisure, Maceió, Brazil ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of physical activity of older adults by commuting and leisure time and associated factors.
METHODS:This was a cross-sectional study carried out with a populationbased sample of 319 older individuals in Maceió, AL, Northeastern Brazil, in 2009. The level of physical activity in leisure and commuting was measured by applying the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, long version. The variables analyzed were: age, schooling, sex, per capita income and perceived health. We used descriptive analysis, Fisher's exact test and multiple regression analysis of prevalence rates.
RESULTS:We classified 87.5% as insufficiently active in commuting, being significantly higher among those individuals with older ages, with more education and who feel dissatisfied with their physical health. The prevalence of older people who are insufficiently active in leisure time activity was 76.2%, being more frequent in women, in men with advanced age; older adults with lower per capita income, and dissatisfaction with comparative physical health and self-perceived mental health.
CONCLUSIONS:The prevalence of insufficiently active was high in commuting and leisure time activities. Factors such as age, gender and income should be considered, especially with regards leisure, in order to ensure fairness in the development of policies to promote health and physical activity in this population.
DESCRIPTORS:Aged. Motor Activity. Leisure Activities. Sedentary Lifestyle. Cross-Sectional Studies.Original Articles DOI:10.1590/S0034-8910.2013047004904 2 Physical activity by commuting and leisure in older adults Mourão ARC et al Changes in the structure of the age pyramid all over the world have highlighted ageing and old age, giving rise to actions by social and governmental agents as well as health care professionals. 4 An unprecedented change has taken place in living standards over the last few decades. Mechanization, technological advances, computerization and the constantly increasing mechanisms to avoid physical effort, such as escalators, elevators and remote controls have led to the progressive decrease in physical activities at work, within the home and in leisure time. 12 Such reduced levels of physical activity may increase some harmful effects of the ageing process, such as loss of muscular force.
6Physical activity or exercise is a great victory for public health as it provides many benefits to the organism; when done regularly, it has a positive influence on physiological, functional, psychological and social variables.
17Measuring physical activity in older adults is essential in creating interventions to minimize and control problems related with inactivity and functional decline.
18The state of Alagoas, in the Northeast of Brazil, has some of the worst social indicators in the country and high social inequality.a Moreover, the older population has low ...