RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Does physical activity reduce seniors' need for healthcare?: a study of 24 281 Canadians
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 902
OP 904
DO 10.1136/bjsm.2008.057216
VO 44
IS 12
A1 John C Woolcott
A1 Maureen C Ashe
A1 William C Miller
A1 Peilin Shi
A1 Carlo A Marra
A1 PACC Research Team
YR 2010
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/44/12/902.abstract
AB Objectives Physical inactivity has been associated with significant increases in disease morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the association between physical activity and (1) health resource use and (2) health resource use costs. Design and Participants The responses from 24 281 respondents >65 years to the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 1.1 were used to find activity levels and determine health resource use and costs. Logistic regression models were used to assess risks of hospitalisation. Results Physical inactivity was associated with statistically significant increases to hospitalisations, lengths of stay and healthcare visits (p<0.01). Average healthcare costs (based on the 2007 value of the Canadian dollar) for the physically inactive were $C1214.15 higher than the healthcare costs of the physically active ($C2005.27 vs $C791.12, p<0.01). Conclusion Among those >65 years, physical activity is strongly associated with reduced health resource use and costs.