Insufficient physical activity and ageing: a longitudinal multilevel study of the influence of neighbourhood disadvantage, individual-level socioeconomic position, and health

Abstract

Introduction: Insufficient physical activity (IPA) is a threat to healthy ageing. Cross-sectional studies show that residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods and individuals from low socioeconomic groups are more likely to be insufficiently active. At present, little is known about change in IPA as people age, or whether any changes are socioeconomically patterned, or moderated by health status: this study investigates these issues.

Methods: Data were collected from 11,035 participants in the HABITAT cohort (Brisbane, Australia) in 2007 (age 40-65), 2009, 2011, and 2013 (age 45-70). IPA was self-reported and defined as <150 minutes/week. Neighbourhood disadvantage was measured using a census-derived index, individual-level socioeconomic position was measured using education, occupation, and household income, and health was self-rated. Data were analysed using mixed-effects logistic regression.

Results: At baseline, 42% of respondents were classified as doing IPA; the probability increased significantly with age, most notably for older persons (60+ in 2007). The odds of IPA were significantly higher for those: with low education; in blue collar work; in low income households; and in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Rates of age-related increases in IPA were highest for residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods and those from low income households. Health status explained between 5% and 36% of the socioeconomic differences in the odds of doing IPA.

Conclusions: During mid- and older-age, the likelihood of doing IPA is greatest for low socioeconomic groups, in part due to their poorer health. Policies and interventions that prevent age-related increases in physical inactivity, especially among the socioeconomically disadvantaged, should be a priority.