Physical inactivity among older adults: Implications for life expectancy among non-overweight and overweight or obese individuals

Summary This study investigates to what extent physical inactivity in older age is associated with reduced life expectancy among non-overweight and overweight/obese individuals. Data from 20,203 respondents aged ≥60 years were drawn from the Health Survey for England and Scottish Health Surveys (1994–2008) and 5-year all-cause mortality linkage. Population attributable fractions were calculated to estimate years of life lost due to physical inactivity. Physical inactivity was defined as not meeting the current UK physical activity guidelines for older adults. Not meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with reduced life expectancy that is larger among non-overweight individuals than among overweight/obese.