Citation

Shores KA, West ST, Theriault DS, Davison EA. J. Rural Health 2009; 25(2): 211-218.

Affiliation

Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. shoresk@ecu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, National Rural Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1748-0361.2009.00220.x

PMID

19785589

Abstract

CONTEXT: Challenged with a higher incidence of disease, reduced social support, and less access to physical activity facilities and services, rural older adults may find healthy active living a challenge. Despite these challenges, some rural older adults manage to achieve active lifestyles. PURPOSE: This study investigates the relative importance of 4 extra-individual correlates of physical activity to physical activity achievement in rural seniors. METHODS: Data were drawn from mail questionnaires completed by 454 adults age 65 and over in 7 rural North Carolina counties. FINDINGS: Results from an analysis of covariance indicate that respondents who approached CDC/ACSM recommended levels of physical activity were significantly more likely to report that they lived within walking distance to parks, perceived they had transportation to physical activity areas, had a partner with whom to be active, and felt activity facilities were safe. Next, 7 extra-individual correlates of physical activity were entered into a backward logistic regression. The resultant model predicting physical activity achievement among rural older adults included social support for physical activity, a safe environment for physical activity, and reported ability to walk to a local park. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions designed to provide social support, heighten safety at activity areas and improve park infrastructure may provide opportunities to increase physical activity among seniors.

Language: en