Physical Activity and Health among Older Adults in India: Results of a Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health Sub-Study Using Accelerometry

James J. Snodgrass, University of Oregon
Tara J. Cepon, University of Oregon
Arvind Mathur, Dr SN Medical College, India
Paul Kowal, World Health Organization (WHO)

Accelerometry provides researchers with a powerful tool with which to measure physical activity in population-based studies, yet this technology has been underutilized in cross-cultural studies of older adults. This study of 200 older adults in urban India combines seven days of accelerometry with anthropometric, sociodemographic, and health data in order to: 1) examine the impact of different monitoring durations; 2) evaluate links between activity and anthropometric and sociodemographic variables; and 3) consider links between activity and measures of health and physical fitness. Results reveal overall low activity levels, with significantly lower activity energy expenditure (AEE) among females (P<0.05). No significant differences were documented in activity level by monitoring duration. Age was negatively correlated with AEE in males (P<0.01) and females (P<0.001). Women who were more socially integrated had greater AEE (P<0.01). Finally, activity measures were associated with several health and physical function variables including grip strength and timed walk.