Older adults participate in numerous social and recreational activities but most are sedentary, researchers report. However, organized programs targeted to urge physical activity could help.
The researchers, at the University of Kansas and Stanford University schools of medicine, said as the older population grows, so must programs promoting physical activity.
The study asked seniors how they used their discretionary time and assessed how two programs affected the time they spend being physically active.
Women were more likely than men to do housework, volunteer and engage in social activities, such as attending club meetings, while men were more likely to watch TV, listen to the radio and do desk work.
In the group where each person received regular telephone calls from a health educator who encouraged participation in a specially designed YMCA and home-based exercise program, the amount of time they spent doing physical activities increased.