The Association of retirement and leisure-time physical activity among middle-aged and older US adults

Mini-Oral Presentation C3.7

Authors

  • Yuzi Zhang University of Texas at Austin
  • Kathryn Burford University of Texas at Austin
  • Harold W. Kohl III University of Texas at Austin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.781

Keywords:

Older Adults, Retirement, LTPA

Abstract

Background: Changes in daily routine with retirement provides a good opportunity for adapting an active lifestyle. Purpose: To examine the association between retirement and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among middle-aged and older US adults. Methods: The sample comprised participants aged 55 years of age and older (n = 148,849; female = 52.9%) from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Employment status, LTPA, and socio-demographics were self-reported. The primary outcome was meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (Guidelines). Univariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the association in each 5-year age group for both sexes. Results: Retirement was associated with higher odds of meeting the aerobic guidelines for both sexes (Men: OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.29-1.37; women: OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03-1.09) and were observed across most of the age groups. Retirement was associated with higher odds for men (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00-1.07), while lower odds for women (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.88-0.94) of meeting the muscle-strengthening guidelines. The associations were varied by age group for both sexes. Retirees were more likely to meet either vs. none of the guidelines, while retired women were less likely to meet both vs. none of the guidelines. Conclusions: Reported aerobic activity was higher across age groups for both sexes with retirement. The change in muscle-strengthening activity was different by sexes and not consistent across age groups, highlighting the need for promoting muscle-strengthening activity among retirees, especially in women and the older population. Funding: No funding. 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Zhang, Y., Burford, K., & Kohl III, H. W. (2021). The Association of retirement and leisure-time physical activity among middle-aged and older US adults: Mini-Oral Presentation C3.7. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.781