Gender Differences in Physical Activity and Walking Among Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Older women are generally more sedentary and less active than older men, but little is known about the specific factors underlying the differences between the genders in physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to compare men and women regarding their household leisure time PA, walking activity, and personal and environmental factors related to physical activity. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 276 older adults recruited from senior centers. Findings revealed that women were less active overall but more involved in household activities. The women's personal and environmental factors represented poor conditions for PA, and as a result they engaged in lower levels of PA than men.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender
• characteristics of PA
• previous exercise experience
• perceived health status
• barriers to PA
• self-efficacy for PA
• motivation for PA
• environment