Citation
Martin Rodriguez, Maria and Martínez del Castillo, Jesus and Serrano Sánchez, José Antonio and Jiménez-Beatty Navarro, Jose Emilio and Santacruz, José Antonio and Rivero Herráiz, Antonio
(2012).
Associations among Physician Advice, Physical Activity, and Sociodemographic Groups in Older Spanish Adults.
"Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement", v. 31
(n. 3);
pp. 349-356.
ISSN 0714-9808.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980812000190.
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between medical advice to engage in physical activity with type of demand required by physical activity and demographic variables. A cross-sectional study was developed, featuring a questionnaire on physicians? advice, and type of demand. The questionnaire was completed by a probability and nationwide sample of older adults in Spain ( n = 933, M = 74.1, range 65?93), randomly selected using multistage sampling. More physically active older adults have, more often than the less active, received physicians? advice to engage in physical activity. There is a signifi cant relationship between medical advice and type of demand ( p menor que .01) and age ( p menor que .05). However, no relationship was found between physician medical advice and gender, social class, or income. Physicians can effectively promote physical activity among sedentary older adults through appropriate advice. Consequently, health authorities should promote physicians' advising older patients to pursue physical activity.