Recommended Physical Activity in Elderly Adults. An Explanation from the Theory of Ecological Models

Abstract

In order to identify the social factors and the perceived environment associated with low levels of recommended physical activity in older adults in three cities of Colombia, we conducted a cross-sectional study, which included 1 514 older adults from three Colombian cities selected by probabilistic sampling. Demographic, life habits, social and perceived environment factors were evaluated. The prevalence of recommended physical activity was 5.5 %. The associated factors to this low prevalence were lack of social support, limited community participation, low interest in physical activity and those related to the environment perceived as aesthetic as well as those associated with insecurity in the streets. As a conclusion, the physical activity and contextual effects should be considered in strategies that seek to improve the conditions of aging in Ibero-American countries.