Physical activity of adults aged 55 to 75 years in Japan

Abstract

[Purpose]: This study investigated physical activity by gender and age groups among Japanese adults aged 55 to 75 years. [Subjects]: A total of 575 eligible participants (355 men and 220 women) aged 55 to 75 years were recruited from 10 prefectures in 2006. [Methods]: Information on physical activity was obtained by face-to-face interviews using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. [Results]: Overall, 80% of subjects participated in weekly physical activities, and the mean total physical activity was similar (p = 0.836) between men (1805 metabolic equivalent tasks (MET) min/week) and women (1695 MET min/week). However, physical activity levels were found to be different between age groups 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70-75 years (p = 0.007), with those aged 55-59 years (1131 MET min/week) below the government recommended level of 60 minutes of physical activity per day or 1380 MET min/week. [Conclusion]: Adults aged 55-59 years should be targeted for physical activity promotion. Moreover, physical activity guidelines should be developed for older adults in order to maintain their health and well being.