Role of Environment on Physical Activity Patterns of Older Adults Living With HIV in New York City

The purpose of this study was to survey the physical activity (PA) patterns of older adults with HIV and investigate the relationship between environmental factors and PA in this population. This study was a secondary data analysis from 100 adults, ages 50 years and older, living with HIV in New York City. Descriptive statistics assessed PA patterns. Linear regression assessed the association between environmental factors and time spent in PA. All participants had been living with HIV for 21 years on average, were on antiretroviral therapy, ranged in age from 50 to 71 years, and were 50% female. Participants performed at 75% of their functional capacity (p < .0001), and females walked less than males (p < .05). Traffic hazards were the sole environmental predictor of PA participation. Targeted interventions are needed to increase PA in this growing population. Interventions at the policy level should reduce traffic hazards to support PA.