A1 Journal article (refereed)
Individual and country-level factors associated with self-reported and accelerometer-based physical activity in old age : a cross-national analysis of European countries (2022)

Kekäläinen, T., Luchetti, M., Aschwanden, D., Sutin, A. R., & Terracciano, A. (2022). Individual and country-level factors associated with self-reported and accelerometer-based physical activity in old age : a cross-national analysis of European countries. European Journal of Ageing, 19(4), 1529-1542. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-022-00737-8

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kekäläinen, Tiia; Luchetti, Martina; Aschwanden, Damaris; Sutin, Angelina R.; Terracciano, Antonio

Journal or series: European Journal of Ageing

ISSN: 1613-9372

eISSN: 1613-9380

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 21/10/2022

Volume: 19

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 1529-1542

Publisher: Springer

Publication country: Germany

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-022-00737-8

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/83763

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate associations between individual-level (personality traits, quality of life) and country-level (gross domestic product per capita, number of policies and action plans for physical activity) factors with self-reported and accelerometer-based physical activity and cross-level interactions among European countries. Based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) from 2019–2020, self-reported physical activity (N = 46,617 from 27 countries) and accelerometer-based average acceleration and intensity gradient (N = 855 from 10 countries) were analyzed. Mixed-model regressions with two levels (individuals nested within countries) were used for analyses. Between countries differences accounted for relatively small portions of the variability in self-reported physical activity (intraclass correlation, ICC = 7.5%), average acceleration (ICC = 3.5%), and intensity gradient (ICC = 1.9%). There were more associations between individual- and country-level factors and self-reported physical activity than with accelerometer-based physical activity. The association between individual-level variables and accelerometer-based physical activity did not differ between countries. Cross-level interactions suggested that associations between some personality traits and self-reported physical activity were stronger in countries with lower GDP. Both individual- and country-level factors are related to participation in more intensive physical activities. Adults with less resilient personality traits living in countries with lower resources are at the highest risk for physical inactivity.

Keywords: older people; physical activity; quality of life; personality; personality traits; states (countries); policy on physical training; gross domestic product; international comparison

Free keywords: physical activity; personality; quality of life

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1