Factors associated with regular aerobic exercise in an elderly population.

BACKGROUND Little is known regarding the characteristics of elderly persons who do not regularly exercise. This lack of knowledge limits the design and marketing of exercise programs to persons who could benefit from regular exercise. METHODS We compared characteristics of regular exercisers and nonexercisers among 561 randomly selected persons aged 65 years and older who were enrollees of a health maintenance organization. Baseline data were obtained on sociodemographics, health attitudes, and medical conditions. RESULTS Of the 561 persons studied, 192 (34 percent) were regular exercisers. Exercisers were slightly younger than nonexercisers and reported more positive health perceptions. Nonexercisers tended to report lower incomes and lower educational levels than did exercisers. Exercisers were less likely to report hypertension, arthritis, or two or more of the following medical conditions: heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, and emphysema (odds ratio 0.49; confidence interval 0.28 to 0.86). Sex differences were present. In logistic regression analysis, higher reported income, better perception of current health, and fewer than two medical conditions were associated with regular exercise status. CONCLUSIONS Specific characteristics are present in persons who regularly exercise compared with those who do not. These findings may prove useful in understanding the dynamics of exercise behavior in this age group and in designing exercise interventions for this population.