DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ITS RATE OF CHANGE BY WORK AND VOLUNTEER PARTICIPATION IN MID-TO-LATE LIFE

摘要

Physical activity (PA) and its associated health benefits are widely recognized but how working and volunteering contribute to PA level and change with aging is unclear. This study evaluates this association in 694 adults (mean age 70 years) Accelerometry data were collected and processed into minutes spent in inactivity, light, and moderate intensity PA. Working, volunteering, and caregiving were self-reported. 291 participants were reassessed 1–4 years later (mean 2.5 years). Differences in time spent in each PA intensity and their rate of change were modeled using linear regressions adjusted for demographics, BMI, and comorbidities. Engaging in any work or volunteering was associated with higher daily light PA and lower inactive minutes, than no engagement (p =0.009, p= 0.01, respectively). No longitudinal differences were observed (p>0.05 for all). Working and/or volunteering are positively associated with higher levels of light PA and lower inactive time, and may provide health benefits with aging.