A1 Journal article (refereed)
Perceived Opportunities for Physical Activity and Willingness to Be More Active in Older Adults with Different Physical Activity Levels (2021)

Aartolahti, E., Eronen, J., Törmäkangas, T., Rantanen, T., Hirvensalo, M., Palmberg, L., Skantz, H., Viljanen, A., Portegijs, E., Iwarsson, S., & Rantakokko, M. (2021). Perceived Opportunities for Physical Activity and Willingness to Be More Active in Older Adults with Different Physical Activity Levels. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(11), Article 6146. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116146

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Aartolahti, Eeva; Eronen, Johanna; Törmäkangas, Timo; Rantanen, Taina; Hirvensalo, Mirja; Palmberg, Lotta; Skantz, Heidi; Viljanen, Anne; Portegijs, Erja; Iwarsson, Susanne; et al.

Journal or series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

ISSN: 1661-7827

eISSN: 1660-4601

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 07/06/2021

Volume: 18

Issue number: 11

Article number: 6146

Publisher: MDPI AG

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116146

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/76356

Abstract

This study examined equity in physical activity (PA) by investigating whether perceived opportunity for PA was associated with willingness to be more active. Among community residents (75, 80, or 85 years old, n = 962) perceived opportunity for PA (poor and good), willingness to be more active (not at all, a bit, and a lot), and level of PA (low, moderate, and high) were assessed via questionnaires. Multinomial logistic regression showed that physical activity moderated the association between poor opportunity and willingness to increase PA. Among those with moderate PA, poor opportunity for PA increased the odds of willingness to be a lot more active (multinomial odds ratio, mOR 3.90, 95% confidence interval 2.21–6.87) than not wanting to be more active compared to those perceiving good opportunities. Associations were similar at high PA levels (p < 0.001), but were not found at low PA levels. Those with moderate or high PA wish to increase their activity particularly when the perceived opportunities for activity are not optimal. Among those with low PA, perceived opportunities are not associated with a perceived need to increase physical activity. Increasing equity in physical activity in old age requires provision of support and opportunities at every level of physical activity.

Keywords: older people; physical activity; needs; physical functioning; exercise (people)

Free keywords: equity; unmet need; physical function; aging; exercise

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1