Age-related differences in the associations of physical environmental factors and psychosocial factors with accelerometer-assessed physical activity. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maes, Iris; Van Dyck, Delfien; Van Cauwenberg, Jelle; Mertens, Lieze
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 67(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Adolescents -- Adults -- Older adults -- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity -- Actigraph; PA physical activity -- WHO World Health Organization -- MVPA moderate-to-vigorous physical activity -- BEPAS Belgian Environmental Physical Activity Study -- IPEN International Physical Activity and the Environment Network -- SES socio-economic status -- GIS Geographical Information System; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102492
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the current study was to examine age-related differences in the associations of physical environmental and psychosocial factors with accelerometer-assessed MVPA across three age groups (adolescents, adults, and older adults). Therefore, data from three studies with a comparable study protocol were combined. Results showed that both physical environmental factors and psychosocial factors were most strongly associated with MVPA in older adults. Consequently, health behavior interventions for older adults should focus on physical environmental factors as well as psychosocial factors. While adolescents and adults may benefit less from such interventions. Highlights: The objective environment was examined in relation to MVPA in three age groups. Age-related differences in associations with accelerometer-assessed MVPA are present. Objective physical environmental factors are more important in older adults. Associations of psychosocial factors and MVPA are stronger in older adults. Health behavior interventions should keep age-related differences in mind.