Recreational physical activity in Brazilian older adults: secondary analysis of the 2018 Vigitel survey

OBJECTIVE: To assess sociodemographic data and patterns of leisure time physical activity in older adults (≥ 60 years of age). METHODS: This descriptive study analyzed secondary data from older adults interviewed for the 2018 Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey. RESULTS: Of 53 395 adults who completed the survey, 20 981 were aged ≥ 60 years (6468 men and 14 513 women). Walking was the most prevalent physical activity. Most older adults engaged in physical activity 3-4 days per week for 30 minutes or longer. Sessions lasting more than 60 minutes were reported by 54.33% of participants. The rate of older people engaging in leisure time physical activity decreased with age and low education. Older adults engaging in physical activity were more optimistic about perceived health status and were less likely to be smokers than their inactive peers. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, older adults with a higher level of education were more active in their leisure time and were more optimistic about their health status; however, the level of physical activity decreased with age in both sexes.