Education is associated with physical activity among American Indian elders

Although educational attainment and physical activity levels tend to be positively associated in majority populations, this relationship has not been investigated in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) elders. This study examined the association between education and physical activity among AI/AN elders (N = 107) using self-report and behavioral outcomes. Regression models showed that higher education was significantly associated with total caloric expenditure for moderate intensity physical activities and distance traveled during a 6-minute walk test of fitness. Additional research is needed to understand modifiable personal, social, and environmental physical activity barriers in these populations.