Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Data on physical activity in older adults in Germany is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze physical activity patterns and to explore factors associated with physical activity in different domains, i. Time per week hh:mm spent in SA and DA heavy housework, gardening was analyzed for men and women.
Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in order to assess the odds of participating in SA and DA for at least 2. A total of 1, primary health care patients Men engaged in SA more often than women vs. Being interviewed in spring or summer was associated with increased performance of DA in both sexes. Participation in these activities was reduced in more highly educated men and women.
Living alone increased the odds of sports participation in women, but not in men. Most physical health-related factors were only selectively associated with either SA or DA, in men or women, respectively. The need for a walking aid was the only factor that consistently lowered the odds of being active in both activity domains and sexes.
This exploratory study delivers reliable and relevant data on the participation in and correlates of sporting and domestic activities of community-dwelling older adults for whom there had previously been only limited information at a population level in Germany. Findings are discussed and implications for epidemiological research and health promotion practice are provided.
Keywords: Aged, gender, physical activity, housework, gardening, correlates, public health. The phenomenon of the demographic change is well known [ 1 ]. In the future, it will increasingly challenge health care systems in terms of financial and personal resources. Thus, the health status of the older population will be of particular importance. Physical inactivity constitutes a major health risk [ 2 ], whereas being sufficiently physically active has the potential to preserve or improve health and functioning [ 3 ], and in turn foster older adults' independence and health-related quality of life.
