Perceived barriers and physical activity levels in older adults: The role of education

Regular practice of physical activity (PA) is well known as an important factor to improve quality of life and promote independent ageing. However, most of the elderly does not accomplish the minimal levels of PA. Developing evidence to understand why older adults are not engaging in PA is an area that needs attention. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore how educational level influences perceived barriers and PA levels in the elderly. 234 older adults (75.17 +/- 8.3 yr.) were recruited from health centres, day centres, social centres and other public spaces from Guarda, Portugal. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Yale Physical Activity Survey for older adults (YPAS- PT) and a questionnaire on barriers to PA were applied. Participants were divided in 2 groups according to educational level: <= 4th Grade (G2 = 117) and > 4th Grade (G3 = 71). A chi-square test was used to determine whether perceived barriers are dependent on educational level. U test Mann-Whitney was applied to investigate the influence of education on PA dimensions. Adverse weather, the existence of injuries/disabilities and believing to be already active enough were the most prevalent barriers to PA. Older adults with higher education level are more physically active and spend less time sitting than those with lower level of education. This study reveals that literacy is an important factor to increase PA levels. Although the most relevant barriers are similar among groups, the prevalence differs by educational level.