Cross-Sectional and Prospective Relationship Between Low-to-Moderate Intensity Physical Activity and Chronic Diseases in Older Adults From 13 European Countries

Abstract

[Abstract]: Assess the relationship between low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity (LMPA) in 2011 and chronic diseases in 2011 and 2013 among European older adults. Methods: Participants (16157 men, 21260 women) from 13 European countries were interviewed about the presence of chronic conditions and LMPA. The association between LMPA and number of chronic diseases was assessed using logistic regression models. Results: Most of the older adults participated in LMPA more than once a week (81.9%), 8.4% participated once a week and 9.3% did not participated. The prevalence of chronic diseases was significantly lower among those who reported engaging in LMPA. LMPA in 2011 was related with lower odds of having several chronic diseases in 2013. Conclusion: Engaging in LMPA is associated with reduced risk for chronic diseases in European older men and women. Even the practice of LMPA once a week seems to be enough to diminish the risk of having chronic diseases.