Physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older women and men: an analysis of the CLSA

Abstract Background Increasing physical activity (PA) levels can decrease the burden of non-communicable diseases and improve functional ability in aging populations. Understanding current patterns in PA behaviours is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to describe the...

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Main Authors: Cassandra D’Amore, Lauren E. Griffith, Julie Richardson, Marla K. Beauchamp
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-08-01
Series:BMC Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24032-0
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author Cassandra D’Amore
Lauren E. Griffith
Julie Richardson
Marla K. Beauchamp
author_facet Cassandra D’Amore
Lauren E. Griffith
Julie Richardson
Marla K. Beauchamp
author_sort Cassandra D’Amore
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Increasing physical activity (PA) levels can decrease the burden of non-communicable diseases and improve functional ability in aging populations. Understanding current patterns in PA behaviours is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to describe the usual PA by type of activity and amount in middle-aged and older adults. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging was completed. Subgroup analyses were used to explore PA behaviour, by age and sex, socioeconomic variables, region and season. In addition, we estimated quintiles based on the amount of total PA completed in Canadians 45–85 years. Means and frequencies were reported using inflation weights. Results The 47,840 participants represented our target population of 12,365,513 Canadians 45–85 years old. The mean PASE score was 151 (SD 79.11) with 65% of persons 45–85 years completing at least 150-minutes of moderate-vigorous PA a week. Amount of PA and the proportion of individuals meeting the recommendation decreased for females, and with increasing age, lower income, and less education. Additionally, those with the lowest PA levels were more likely to report limitations in mobility and activities of daily living and had a higher prevalence of some chronic conditions (diabetes, musculoskeletal, and vision). Conclusion Physical activity behaviour among middle-aged and older adults varies based on several characteristics. Targeted interventions and promotion efforts are warranted, particularly for older females and those with lower income and education. Further investigation to determine directionality is needed.
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spelling doaj-art-41db7481e86f4fd9a945c58a63e21efa2025-08-24T11:55:56ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-08-0125111110.1186/s12889-025-24032-0Physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older women and men: an analysis of the CLSACassandra D’Amore0Lauren E. Griffith1Julie Richardson2Marla K. Beauchamp3School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster UniversityDepartment of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster UniversitySchool of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster UniversitySchool of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster UniversityAbstract Background Increasing physical activity (PA) levels can decrease the burden of non-communicable diseases and improve functional ability in aging populations. Understanding current patterns in PA behaviours is essential for developing effective interventions. This study aimed to describe the usual PA by type of activity and amount in middle-aged and older adults. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging was completed. Subgroup analyses were used to explore PA behaviour, by age and sex, socioeconomic variables, region and season. In addition, we estimated quintiles based on the amount of total PA completed in Canadians 45–85 years. Means and frequencies were reported using inflation weights. Results The 47,840 participants represented our target population of 12,365,513 Canadians 45–85 years old. The mean PASE score was 151 (SD 79.11) with 65% of persons 45–85 years completing at least 150-minutes of moderate-vigorous PA a week. Amount of PA and the proportion of individuals meeting the recommendation decreased for females, and with increasing age, lower income, and less education. Additionally, those with the lowest PA levels were more likely to report limitations in mobility and activities of daily living and had a higher prevalence of some chronic conditions (diabetes, musculoskeletal, and vision). Conclusion Physical activity behaviour among middle-aged and older adults varies based on several characteristics. Targeted interventions and promotion efforts are warranted, particularly for older females and those with lower income and education. Further investigation to determine directionality is needed.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24032-0CLSADescriptive analysisPhysical activityLeisure activitySocial determinants
spellingShingle Cassandra D’Amore
Lauren E. Griffith
Julie Richardson
Marla K. Beauchamp
Physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older women and men: an analysis of the CLSA
BMC Public Health
CLSA
Descriptive analysis
Physical activity
Leisure activity
Social determinants
title Physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older women and men: an analysis of the CLSA
title_full Physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older women and men: an analysis of the CLSA
title_fullStr Physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older women and men: an analysis of the CLSA
title_full_unstemmed Physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older women and men: an analysis of the CLSA
title_short Physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older women and men: an analysis of the CLSA
title_sort physical activity behaviour in middle aged and older women and men an analysis of the clsa
topic CLSA
Descriptive analysis
Physical activity
Leisure activity
Social determinants
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24032-0
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AT marlakbeauchamp physicalactivitybehaviourinmiddleagedandolderwomenandmenananalysisoftheclsa