TitleLeisure-time exercise and overall physical activity in older women caregivers and non-caregivers from the Caregiver-SOF Study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsFredman, L, Bertrand, RM, Martire, LM, Hochberg, M, Harris, EL
JournalPrev Med
Volume43
Issue3
Pagination226-9
Date Published2006 Sep
ISSN0091-7435
KeywordsActivities of Daily Living, Aged, 80 and over, Caregivers, Exercise, Female, Humans, Leisure Activities, Logistic Models, Surveys and Questionnaires
Abstract

<p><b>BACKGROUND: </b>Elderly caregivers report less leisure-time physical activity than same-aged non-caregivers. However, through caregiving tasks, caregivers may be as physically active as non-caregivers. This study compared leisure-time exercise and overall physical activity in elderly women caregivers and non-caregivers.</p><p><b>METHODS: </b>The sample included 179 caregivers (153 cared for spouses and 26 for other relatives or friends) and 670 non-caregivers who were participants in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Leisure-time exercise was based on respondents' report of walking for exercise or other regular exercise at least once a week. High overall physical activity included leisure-time exercise or being in the top quartile of walking and climbing stairs during one's daily routine.</p><p><b>RESULTS: </b>Leisure-time exercise was lower in spouse caregivers (adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64, 0.41-1.00) and non-spouse caregivers (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16-0.95) than married non-caregivers. Differences in overall physical activity between caregivers and married non-caregivers were smaller and not statistically significant. Caregivers who climbed stairs at least 15 min/day during caregiving tasks reported more overall physical activity than non-caregivers (OR = 4.06, 95% CI = 1.23-13.36).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS: </b>Studies comparing physical activity in caregivers and non-caregivers should assess activities performed during routine caregiving tasks.</p>

DOI10.1016/j.ypmed.2006.04.009
Alternate JournalPrev Med
PubMed ID16737731
Grant ListR01 AG018037 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States