Exploring Factors Associated With Physical Activity in Older Adults: An Ecological Approach.

According to ecological models of behaviour, the physical environment can influence physical activity engagement via a series of mediating and moderating processes. The present study tested such a model to identify factors relevant to older people's engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Sociodemographic, psychological, physical, and environmental factors were assessed in 432 Western Australians aged 60+ years. MVPA was measured objectively using accelerometers. No environmental variables were related to engagement in MVPA either directly or indirectly. However, various individual-level factors were significant, indicating that these may be more important than environmental factors in locations such as Australia that have generally conducive environments and ambient conditions.