The relationship between obesity, physical activity, and physical function in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship between overweight and obesity, age, and gender with physical activity and physical function in community-dwelling older men and women. METHOD: Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze differences between normal weight, overweight, and obese adults (n = 821) above the age of 60 years. RESULTS: Obesity but not overweight was associated with lower levels of physical activity and physical function. Within BMI groups, individuals who were physically active were less likely to have abnormal physical function scores compared to those who were sedentary. Compared to men, obese women had lower physical function scores, placing them at higher risk for future disability. Aging was associated with lower levels of physical activity and physical function. DISCUSSION: The study illustrates the importance of avoiding obesity and participating in regular physical activity to prevent or slow down the loss of functioning in older age.

Physical activity, physical function, and stages of change in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize physical activity and physical function by stage of change and age in older adults. METHODS: One thousand two hundred thirty-four individuals completed The Yale physical activity survey (YPAS), stage of change for exercise, and the Up-and-Go physical function test. RESULTS: Most subjects were in the maintenance (50.4%) or precontemplation stages (21/0%). YPAS scores were higher and Upand-Go scores were lower as exercise stage increased. Physical activity and physical function scores were lower in older age groups. CONCLUSION: Higher stages were positively associated with physical activity and physical function. Age was a significant moderator variable affecting stage, physical activity, and physical function.

Differences in psychosocial variables by stage of change for fruits and vegetables in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To describe differences in demographic and psychological variables by stage of change for five servings of fruits and vegetables per day in older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey with data collected in the participant's home or the project office by interviewers. SUBJECTS: 1,253 community-residing individuals 60 years or older (mean age=75 years) living in East Providence, RI. MEASURES: Stage of change; decisional balance; processes of change; self-efficacy; dietary intake measured by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fruit and Vegetable Screener, the 5 A Day Screener, and the NIH Fat Scan; demographics; and anthropometrics. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Variables were compared by stage of change using analysis of variance for continuous variables and chi(2) analysis for categorical variables. Servings of fruits and vegetables were transformed (square root) prior to analyses. RESULTS: There was a strong effect of stage of change on intake measured by the Fruit and Vegetable Screener [F(2, 1203)=109, P<.001, eta(2)=.154] and the 5 A Day Screener [F(2, 1203)=128, P<.001, eta(2)=.175] with a linear increase from precontemplation to action/maintenance. There was an overall stage effect on decisional balance, processes of change, and self-efficacy [Wilks's lambda=.703, F(30, 2132)=13.72, P<.001, multivariate eta(2)=.162], and significant univariate effects for all variables. CONCLUSIONS: Self-assessed servings ("How many servings do you usually eat?") can be used for stage classification for older adults. Interventions for older adults in early stages should focus on increasing perceived benefits of healthful eating and cognitive process use. Self-efficacy as well as behavioral processes seem to be important in attaining maintenance.