Trends in sport and active recreation participation during the transition from mid to late adulthood: A longitudinal cohort analysis of sociodemographic patterns

Objectives:
To examine five-year trends in participation in sports and active recreation during the transition from midlife to early older age, and to assess how these trends varied by sex, age group, and education level.

Design:
Longitudinal cohort study.

Methods:
Data were drawn from the How Areas in Brisbane Influence healTh and AcTivity study, a population-based cohort of mid aged and older adults living in Brisbane, Australia. Participants completed mail surveys in 2007, 2009, and 2011, reporting frequency of participation in each of 12 types of sports and active recreation. Weekly participation (≥ once per week) was summarised by gender. Generalised estimating equations with three-way interactions (year × age × sex and year × age × education) were used to examine participation trends.

Results:
The analytical sample included 10,997 participants. Weekly participation in four or more activities declined from 8.8% to 3.8% between 2009 and 2011, whilst less than-weekly participation increased from 41.4% to 66.9%. The most common activities at age 40–44 years were home-based exercises, weights, and running, all of which declined in participation over time. Women participated more frequently in yoga/tai chi and exercise classes, whereas men more often engaged in running, cycling, and golf. Significant interaction effects for tennis, running, and weights indicated differing trends by age, sex and education level.

Conclusions:
These findings highlight demographic differences in participation patterns and may inform strategies to support sustained engagement in recreational physical activity across mid-to-later adulthood.