According to ecological models of behavior, the physical environment can influence physical activity engagement by a series of mediating and moderating processes. This study tested such a model to identify factors relevant to older adults’ engagement in moderate–vigorous physical activity. Sociodemographic, psychological, physical, and environmental factors were assessed in 432 Western Australians aged 60 and older. Moderate–vigorous physical activity was measured objectively using accelerometers. No environmental variables were related to engagement in moderate–vigorous physical activity either directly or indirectly. However, various individual-level factors were significant, indicating that these may be more important than environmental factors in locations such as Australia that have generally conducive environments and ambient conditions.
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Exploring Factors Associated With Physical Activity in Older Adults: An Ecological Approach
Rajni Rai, Michelle I. Jongenelis, Ben Jackson, Robert U. Newton, and Simone Pettigrew
Retirement and Physical Activity: The Opportunity of a Lifetime or the Beginning of the End?
Rajni Rai, Michelle I. Jongenelis, Ben Jackson, Robert U. Newton, and Simone Pettigrew
Retirement has been identified as a life transition that is important in determining older adults’ physical activity levels. The present study examined the factors associated with retirement that affect physical activity participation among older adults. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 425 retired Australians aged 60 years and older. Physical activity was assessed objectively, using accelerometers. Two categories of factors affecting physical activity participation following retirement were identified: the various physical and psychological changes in later life that can encourage or discourage physical activity and the adaptation processes undertaken by older people in response to these changes. The adoption of either a gain or loss approach to retirement and aging appeared to be the most influential adaptation factor affecting physical activity participation. The results suggest that intervention approaches should aim to foster more positive attitudes to aging and retirement and promote physical activity at all stages in life.
The Role of Grandparents in Facilitating Children’s Physical Activity
Michelle I. Jongenelis, Timothy Budden, Hayley Christian, David A. Coall, Ben Jackson, Andrea Nathan, and Emma Glassenbury
Background: Research suggests there is considerable opportunity to improve children’s movement behaviors while they are being cared for by their grandparents. An understanding of the extent to which grandparent practices facilitate children’s engagement in physical activity is critical to the development of health interventions targeting grandparent caregivers. This study examined the activity-related beliefs and practices of grandparents and their association with grandchildren’s engagement in various movement behaviors while in grandparental care. Methods: Australian grandparents (N = 1190; 60% women) who provided regular care to a grandchild aged 3–14 years were recruited via a web panel provider to complete an online survey. The survey assessed grandparents’ physical activity-related beliefs (eg, perceived importance) and practices (eg, support and social control) and their grandchildren’s engagement in physical activity (unstructured, structured, and outdoor play) and screen-based activities while in grandparental care. Results: The importance of grandchildren’s physical activity was rated highly by grandparents. Grandparents’ support for their grandchildren’s physical activity was positively associated with their grandchildren’s engagement in structured physical activity, unstructured physical activity, and outdoor play. Negative social control was associated with greater engagement in screen-based activities. Other correlates of grandchildren’s physical activity and screen-based activities included grandparents’ own engagement in these activities. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of reinforcing the beliefs and practices that positively influence children’s movement behaviors and addressing those that have unintended consequences. Encouraging grandparents to support their grandchildren’s physical activity and discouraging forms of negative social control are likely to be important in efforts to promote physical activity in children.
