Frequency of Physical Activity Done with a Companion: Changes Over Seven Years in Adults Aged 60+ Living in an Australian Capital City.

This study examined how often adults 60+ years were physically active with a partner, close family, friends, and neighbors, over 7 years. Data from 2062 adults living in an Australian capital city were collected using a mail survey at four time points and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. A partner was the most frequent companion at all time points. From baseline to 7 years, the greatest decline was activity with family 1-4x/month (.79 [.64-.98]) and ≥5x/month (.54 [.36-.80]). There were also decreases in activity 1-4x/month with a partner (OR = .75, [.62-.92]), friends (.55 [.44-.68]), and neighbors (.79 [.64-.98]). Physical activity with friends or neighbors ≥5x/month did not decline. Findings extend understanding of physical activity and activity companions among older adults. More research is needed to understand factors contributing to changes in activity done with companions.