Factors associated with low levels of physical activity among elderly residents in a small urban area in the interior of the Brazilian Amazon

The aim of the present study was to investigate levels of physical activity and risk factors for inactivity in older adults living in an urban area in the interior of the Amazonas state, Brazil. Data were collected between 2013 and 2015 from 274 individuals 60 years of age or older who resided in the interior of the Brazilian Amazon. Sociodemographic, general health, functional capacity and physical performance were associated with self-referred physical activity level. A multivariate analysis, after adjustment, showed that being a man, having a body mass index above 27 kg/m2, never having lived in riverside communities and having less than three associated chronic diseases were independent risk factors for low levels of physical activity among elderly residing in the interior of the Brazilian Amazon. Few studies have been conducted about the characteristics that are singular to this population. Our results suggest that the physical activity level and, consequently, the aging process of the elderly is influenced by where they have resided throughout their lives. Additionally, the results showed particular risk factors associated with low physical activity level among older adults residing in the interior of the state of Amazonas.