The Practice of Vigorous Physical Activity Is Related to a Higher Educational Level and Income in Older Women

Abstract

Few studies have shown evidence about the factors that can determine physical practice in women over 60 years of age due to educational, economic, social, or health inequalities. Its knowledge could help to understand the determinants that encourage the practice of physical activity and the improvement of health in women over 60. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the level of studies, income, and the usefulness of social and health services in physically active older women according to the level of activity they practice. The IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and CUBRECAVI (subjective health scale) scales have been applied to a sample of 257 women between 61 and 93 years old (M = 69.44, SD = 4.61). The results have shown that those with vigorous physical activity are related to higher levels of education (p < 0.001) and income (p = 0.004). Furthermore, being dissatisfied with social and health services is associated with low levels of physical activity (p = 0.005). Older women who perform physical activity regularly are associated with high levels in some of the socio-environmental aspects of quality of life. High physical activity is related to a higher educational level and income. Socio-environmental factors generate social inequalities and modulate the lifestyles of older women.

Relationship Between Old-Aged Preferences Regarding Various Types of Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Status: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shanghai, China

“…In this study, the mean age of the group observed was 68.64 ± 7.43 years, and higher education was related to more time spent in PA. Earlier studies showed that high physical activity is related to a higher educational level ( 45 , 46 ). Individuals with high educational achievement are more likely to tolerate and be open to diverse perspectives and to assimilate external information constructively ( 47 ).…”

Adipokines Level and Cognitive Function—Disturbance in Homeostasis in Older People with Poorly Managed Hypertension: A Pilot Study

“…In fact, it seems that there is a very complex relationship between education level, cognitive function, BMI, body composition, and pattern of adipokines and myokines expression. For instance, low education level could serve as a risk factor in older subjects for both cognitive decline [ 50 ], lower nutrition awareness [ 51 ], lower frequency of undertaking intensive physical activity [ 52 ].…”

Factors Associated with Physical Activity in a Diverse Older Population

“…For example, age, education and social support along with current health and employment status, were identified as being associated with physical activity among older men residing in Jamaica [ 40 ]. Higher levels of education, among other factors, have also been linked with vigorous physical activity in women aged 60 years and older, residing in Spain [ 45 ], while mild levels of exercise were associated with frequency of social relationships and greater satisfaction in a group of 257 women age 61–93 years residing in Spain [ 46 ]. Older age, depressive symptoms and some environmental factors were also found in bivariate analysis to be negatively associated with physical activity among 102 older African American and European American women [ 43 ].…”