Predictors of Longitudinal Changes in Older Adults’ Physical Activity Engagement

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate factors influencing older adults’ physical activity engagement over time. The authors analyzed 3 waves of data from a sample of Israelis age 75–94 (Wave 1n= 1,369, Wave 2n= 687, Wave 3n= 154). Findings indicated that physical activity engagement declined longitudinally. Logistic regressions showed that female gender, older age, and taking more medications were significant risk factors for stopping exercise at Wave 2 in those physically active at Wave 1. In addition, higher functional and cognitive status predicted initiating exercise at Wave 2 in those who did not exercise at Wave 1. By clarifying the influence of personal characteristics on physical activity engagement in the Israeli old-old, this study sets the stage for future investigation and intervention, stressing the importance of targeting at-risk populations, accommodating risk factors, and addressing both the initiation and the maintenance of exercise in the face of barriers.