2023-09-24 17:00:00
48% of women aged 50 to 64 have practiced physical or sporting activity at least once a year and 36% do it every week, according to a study by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) published in 2017. But why do some women exercise and others very little or not at all? Researchers may have found the answer.
Sedentary lifestyle more linked to profession than to childhood
In a new study published in the journal BMC Public Health, scientists estimate that the levels of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle in women aged 61 and over might be linked to the socio-emotional behavior they had during childhood and their temperament as adults. To reach this conclusion, they used data from theJyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS). Thus, begun in 1968, this work followed patients from the age of 8 and for several decades.
Socio-emotional behavior (behavioral activity, controlled behavior, negative emotionality) was assessed at 8 years, temperament at 42 years, and physical activity and sedentary lifestyle at 61 years. In men, scientists have not observed a link between these data. In contrast, among women, behavioral activity recorded at age 8 (playing with other children for example) predicted higher levels of daily sedentary behavior at age 61. However, when taking into account the professional status of the participants, the link between behavioral activity during childhood and sedentary lifestyle was less obvious.
Negative emotions linked to physical activity
“Girls who were more socially active in their childhood are more likely to pursue higher education and end up in professions such as expert roles, which involve a lot of sitting time,” explains Johanna Ahola, one of the authors.
As for temperament, scientists note that that measured at 42 years old would influence the level of physical activity of women at 61 years old. In detail, those who felt more negative emotions (frustration, sadness) at 42 years old did less physical activity at 61 years old. “It might be that women who experience more negative emotions have less pleasure (in doing) moderate to intense physical activities,” explains Tiia Kekäläinen, another author of this study.
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