Job characteristics and leisure physical activity

Examined the relationship of regular leisure physical activity and job-associated physical demands and stress of older workers. 6,433 full-time workers (aged 51--61 yrs) who were part of the 1992 Health and Retirement Study reported demographic characteristics, health and health attitudes, degree of physical activity participation, and job-related physical requirements and stress. Ss were classified as white- or blue-collar workers. Results show that white-collar Ss were more likely to engage in light physical activity. Blue-collar Ss tended to engage in more vigorous exercise. Education was associated with increased physical activity for both groups. Blue-collar Ss in more stressful jobs were more likely to engage in vigorous exercise, but white-collar Ss in more stressful jobs were not. (PsycINFO)

Duke Scholars

Author Bei Wu School of Nursing