Associations between physical activity and other lifestyle behaviours in older New Zealanders

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is a key component of healthy aging. We investigated the relationships between physical activity measures and lifestyle risk factors. METHODS: Representative population data (N = 1894) of New Zealand adults aged 60 years and older were analysed to study the association between physical activity, smoking, overweight, and fruit and vegetable consumption. RESULTS: Activity prevalence of 4 activity measures were 18.3% inactive/sedentary; 67.6% some recreational walking; 30.7% some vigorous activity; and 51.4% regular physical activity. Females were more likely than males to be inactive, and activity levels decreased across age groups. Activity displayed a negative association to smoking and being overweight or obese and a positive association with fruit and vegetable consumption. CONCLUSION: Associations between lifestyle risk factors and physical activity indicate a need to address the issue of healthy aging by means of a multi-factorial approach.