Only 13.9 percent of adults aged 65 years and older met federal physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises in 2022, according to a recent study published in the National Health Statistics Reports. Conducted by researchers Nazik Elgaddal and Ellen A. Kramarow, Ph.D., from the National Center for Health Statistics, the study analyzed data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to evaluate the physical activity levels of older Americans.

The study found disparities in adherence to the 2018 Federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend regular aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Men were more likely than women to meet these guidelines (16.9 percent vs. 11.6 percent), as were White non-Hispanic adults compared to other racial or ethnic groups. Additionally, those living in metropolitan areas (14.7 percent) were more likely to meet the guidelines than their rural counterparts.

Socioeconomic factors also influenced activity levels. Adherence to the guidelines increased with higher education and family income levels. In contrast, the presence of chronic health conditions and self-reported poor health significantly reduced the likelihood of meeting the activity standards. Older adults with disabilities were particularly underrepresented, with only 5.0 percent meeting the guidelines compared to 15.9 percent of those without disabilities.

The authors emphasized the importance of understanding these patterns to design targeted interventions that promote physical activity and support healthy aging. "Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining mobility, preventing chronic diseases, and improving quality of life for older adults," the researchers noted.

These findings underscore the need for public health initiatives to address barriers and encourage physical activity among older populations, particularly those from underserved or vulnerable groups.