Life-stage Transitions and Physical Activity in
Australian Women
Wendy Brown School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Australia |
Introduction
Given the benefits of physical activity (PA), a paramount question for
those interested in its promotion is how to support people to be more
active, especially at life stages when PA levels are likely to decrease.
Improved understanding of the determinants of PA at specific life-stages
may help in developing appropriate intervention strategies.
Methods
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Heath (ALSWH) is
a prospective study of three large cohorts of Australian women. It aims
to examine health and health determinants during significant stages
of physical, psychological and social change in women's lives. Data
from this study will be used to illustrate life stage transitions in
PA, as well as barriers to and determinants of PA in young, mid-age
and older women.
Results
Over a four year period from 1996 to 2000, young adult women (aged 18-27;
N= 9,412) who reported getting married, having a first or subsequent
child or beginning paid work were more likely to be inactive at follow-up
than those who did not report these events. Among mid-aged women (45-57;
N=12,114) those who reported a significant increase in work conditions
(hours, conditions, responsibilities) between 1996 and 2001 were more
likely to become inactive. Experiencing menopause, divorce, death of
a spouse or partner, spouse or partner retiring from work, and children
leaving home were not associated with changing physical activity patterns.
Among older women (70-78; N=9,549) widowhood was associated with increasing
PA while injury and deteriorating health were associated with decreased
PA.
Discussion / Conclusions
The results suggest that life events associated with changing family,
caring and work responsibilities are associated with lower levels of
PA. Given that levels of PA are generally lower in women than in men,
strategies are needed to promote maintenance of activity at times when
life stage transitions are likely to impact adversely on PA. Brief results
from some innovative intervention studies with women will also be presented.
References
For more information about the ALSWH please see:
www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/wha.
http://www.icsspe.org/portal/bulletin-June2004.htm