Physical Activity Level and Specific Type of Exercises Among US Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess physical activity level and identify specific types of exercises by sex, race/ethnicity, and age for adults 50 years and older. Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2013, 2015, and 2017 data were used to study US adults 50 years and older on their specific types of exercises, stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, and age. Weighted logistic regression was used to model physical exercise level and specific types of exercises. Results: The sample included 460,780 respondents. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic were less likely than non-Hispanic White to meet the recommended physical activity level (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, P < .0001 and OR = 0.96, P = .04, respectively). Walking was the most participated type of exercise, followed by gardening, for both men and women, all racial/ethnic groups, and all age groups. Non-Hispanic Blacks were more likely to participate in walking (OR = 1.19, P = .02) and less likely to participate in gardening (OR = 0.65, P < .0001) than non-Hispanic Whites. Men were more likely to engage in strenuous exercises than women. The average number of minutes on walking was the longest among all types of specific exercises. Conclusions: The types of exercises were mostly walking and gardening for adults aged 50 and older. Non-Hispanic Black adults had less physical activity than non-Hispanic White and were less likely to engage in gardening.