Descriptive Epidemiology of Physical Activity Levels and Patterns in New Zealanders in Advanced Age

J Aging Phys Act. 2016 Jan;24(1):61-71. doi: 10.1123/japa.2014-0230. Epub 2015 May 18.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the physical activity levels and behaviors of advanced age New Zealanders.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data from Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ), Te Puawaitanga O Nga Tapuwae Kia ora Tonu, measures of physical activity (PASE) (n = 664, aged 80-90 [n = 254, Maori, aged 82.5(2), n = 410 non-Maori, aged 85(.5)]) was conducted to determine physical activity level (PAL). A substudy (n = 45) was conducted to attain detailed information about PAL and behaviors via the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA) and accelerometry. The main study was analyzed by sex for Maori and non-Maori.

Results: Men consistently had higher levels of physical activity than women for all physical activity measures. Sex was significant for different domains of activity.

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • New Zealand / epidemiology
  • New Zealand / ethnology
  • Sex Factors