The Association Between Sociodemographic and Socioeconomic Factors and Meeting the Recommended Physical Activity Guidelines in Older Adults in the U.S

Bibliographic Data

ID15470899
AuthorsBetty R Sierra Tamargo (0009-0003-6435-8431, Florida International University), Pura Rodríguez de la Vega (Florida International University), Noël C Barengo (0000-0003-0660-3091, Florida International University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume23
Issue3
Pages344-344
Publication date2026-03-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph23030344
PMID41899721
OpenAlexW7134237840
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited8

This study aimed to identify socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with meeting the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines for older adults. This analytical, cross-sectional study used data from the 2022 NHIS, including 8189 older adults (≥65 years). Compliance with aerobic and strengthening PA guidelines was the main outcome variable. Covariates included sex, education, income, relationship status, race, housing stability, urban/rural county, health status, and region. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Only 14.4% (n = 1235) of older adults met the PA guidelines. Odds of complying decreased by 40% in NH single/multiple races (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4-1.0). Men had higher odds (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2-1.6) of adhering than women. Compared with those with a bachelor's degree, the odds of adhering were 1.4 (95% CI 1.2-1.7) for graduate participants, 0.3 (95% CI 0.2-0.4) for participants with less than HS education, 0.4 (95% CI 0.3-0.5) for HS graduates, and 0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8) for those with some college education. The odds decreased by 40% for those with an income-to-poverty ratio threshold < 1 (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4-0.9), 1-1.99 (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4-0.7), and 2-3.99 (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.5-0.8) compared with ≥5. Healthcare providers should develop targeted interventions to address individuals' unique circumstances and reduce these inequities

Confidence interval · Logistic regression · Odds · Odds ratio · Psychological intervention · Socioeconomic status · Frailty in Older Adults · Nutrition and Health in Aging · Physical Activity and Health

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