Recorded presentation

James H Rimmer, PhD¹, Susan L. Hughes, DSW², and Edward Wang, PhD¹. (1) Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608-6904, 312-413-9651, jrimmer@uic.edu, (2) School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Health Research & Policy Centers, 850 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 400 (MC 275), Chicago, IL 60607

There is a substantial body of evidence indicating that regular participation in moderate levels of physical activity is an important element of a healthy lifestyle. This study examined the quantity of daily physical activity (minutes of moderate exercise) obtained by 97 older adults (M age= 59.4 yr) with stroke, diabetes, or arthritis. Subjects completed the Physical Activity and Disability Survey (PADS) by telephone or in person. The PADS includes questions related to various forms of physical activity in the following categories: leisure, structured exercise, general activity (i.e., housework), and therapy (i.e., physical or occupational therapy). The amount of time that subjects spent in daily moderate physical activity was extremely low (M = 4.7 minutes), and was approximately 6 times lower than the 30 minutes per day recommended by the Surgeon General’s Office and various other health organizations. Additionally, subjects who engaged in higher levels of physical activity had higher peak VO2, lower body weight, and lower depression. These data suggest that older adults with chronic diseases are at greater risk for developing additional health problems associated with an inactive lifestyle, and could potentially improve their health status by increasing their daily physical activity.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Identify the physical activity levels of older adults with chronic conditions.
• Recognize the greater need for increasing participation among older adults with disabilities.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Disease Data

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation