Associations between physical activity levels, self-rated health, quality of life, and nutritional status among older adults in the villages, FL

Background: The health benefits of physical activity (PA) in the older population have been well established. However, few older adults are meeting the minimum recommendations for PA. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between self-rated health, quality of life (QOL), and nutritional status, and their association with PA levels of residents of The Villages, FL, an active adult retirement community. Methods: Data for the overall USF Health and The Villages study were collected between January and April 2012 (N=33,199) and represent a comprehensive health assessment of older adults (55+) using a split-ballot design. This study focuses on analysis of participants who completed the quality of life ballot (N=11,102) which included measures of QOL, nutritional habits, and PA. Kendall's tau-b and ordinal logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between health, QOL, eating and PA behaviors across age groups. Results: Approximately 5.6% of respondents meet the U.S. D.H.H.S.'s minimum recommendations for PA for older adults. The correlations between health (p<0.001), QOL (p=0.045), and healthy eating behaviors (p<0.001) were positively associated with PA activities; whereas pain (p<0.001), depression (p<0.001), and unhealthy eating behaviors (p=0.014) were negatively associated with PA activities. Results of regression models will also be discussed. Conclusion: The Villages community has been successful by providing numerous PA opportunities for residents. The residents that are utilizing these opportunities are improving their health and well-being. Findings are discussed to include policy and practice implications at The Villages and in other senior communities.