Neighborhood-level influences on physical activity among older adults: a multilevel analysis

J Aging Phys Act. 2004 Jan;12(1):45-63. doi: 10.1123/japa.12.1.45.

Abstract

There is a need for greater understanding of setting-specific influences on physical activity to complement the predominant research paradigm of individual-centered influences on physical activity. In this study, the authors used a cross-sectional multilevel analysis to examine a range of neighborhood-level characteristics and the extent to which they were associated with variation in self-reported physical activity among older adults. The sample consisted of 582 community-dwelling residents age 65 years and older (M = 73.99 years, SD = 6.25) recruited from 56 neighborhoods in Portland, OR. Information collected from participants and neighborhood data from objective sources formed a two-level data structure. These hierarchical data (i.e., individuals nested within neighborhoods) were subjected to multilevel structural-equation-modeling analyses. Results showed that neighborhood social cohesion, in conjunction with other neighborhood-level factors, was significantly associated with increased levels of neighborhood physical activity. Overall, neighborhood-level variables jointly accounted for a substantial variation in neighborhood physical activity when controlling for individual-level variables.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Oregon
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Physical Fitness / psychology*
  • Residence Characteristics*
  • Safety
  • Social Support*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Walking / physiology
  • Walking / psychology*
  • Walking / statistics & numerical data