Towards a new strategy for health promotion for older women: Determinants of physical activity

Abstract

Abstract Physical activity levels are low amongst adults, particularly older women, and much health promotion is concerned with increasing exercise as a means of improving physical and mental health. The efficacy of current health promotion is limited and new approaches are required which build on an understanding of the determinants of activity levels. The relationships between a wide range of socio-demographic, knowledge, attitudes and health behaviour variables and levels of sporting and domestic activity were studied in a large cross-sectional study of a sample of 704 older women, mean (sd) age of 66 (7.3) years, drawn from retirees from a national retailer. Information was collected using a validated and reliable self-filled postal questionnaire. Sporting and domestic activity levels were low, with only 25% taking part in any vigorous activity in the week prior to study. Major determinants of high activity levels were good self-rated health status, owner-occupier housing tenure and knowledge about the benefits of exercise. Sporting activity levels were also predicted by previous sports participation at school and in early adult life. Health promotion for older women must focus on improving knowledge of the amount and intensity of exercise required for health, may require the diagnosis and treatment of ill-health prior to increases in activity, and should focus on increasing domestic rather than sporting activity.