Physical activity among older adults residents of the municipality of São Paulo: 20 years of a historical series

• Grant number: 24/02989-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Olinda Do Carmo Luiz
• Grantee: Bruno Holanda Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging is a global phenomenon and presents significant challenges related to unhealthy habits, chronic diseases, and medication use. Despite studies emphasizing the importance of physical activity for health, there is a notable shortage of serial epidemiological research with population-based data analyzing the evolution of this behavior, especially considering possible inequalities and racial differences. This post-doctoral project, an extension of the doctoral research, proposes a comprehensive analysis of physical activity practice among older adults residents in the Municipality of São Paulo over two decades. Method: The proposed serial cross-sectional study aims to explore information from individuals aged 60 years or older, respondents of health surveys conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in the years 2003, 2008, 2015, and the 2023/2024 survey, the latter being in its final data collection phase. We intend to investigate the association between physical activity practice in its different domains with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, health conditions, and medication use. Bivariate analyses, Poisson regression models, and Spearman correlation will be employed. Temporal trends will be assessed using linear regression with Prais-Winsten correlation. Expected results: It is expected that this study will provide insights into changes in physical activity practice among the elderly, supporting the development of health promotion strategies, deepening the understanding of changes over time, and assisting in the formulation of public health policies and programs aimed at promoting improved quality of life and well-being among older adults.Palavras-Chave: Health of the Elderly. Health Services. Aging. Health Surveys. Health Inequality Monitoring. Preventive Medicine.