Participation in physical activity and its correlates: an age comparison / Yong Kang Cheah …[et al.]

Physical inactivity has become a serious public health concern in Malaysia. The present study examines age, education, income, demographic factors and insurance associated with participation in vigorous, moderate and total physical activity using data from a nationally representative survey (n = 10141). Regressions are stratified by age group. The purpose is to identify whether there are any differences or similarities in the factors associated with participation in physical activity amongst various age groups. Several findings are noteworthy. First, well-educated people of all age groups, except the elderly spend less time on physical activity than their less-educated counterparts. Second, higher income middle-aged adults spend less time on vigorous physical activity than lower income middle-aged adults, while higher income young adults spend less time in moderate physical activity than lower income young adults. Third, employed young, middle-aged and old-aged adults tend to spend more time on physical activity than their unemployed peers. In conclusion, age, education, income and demographic factors play an important role in determining participation in various intensity levels of physical activity among adults of different age groups. Policy makers should focus on the groups of adults that are unlikely to spend time in physical activity.