Physical Activity Behavior and Competing Activities: Interrelations in 55-to 70-Year-Old Germans

In this study, we draw attention to time-competing activities and psychological variables as impeding or enabling factors of physical activity behavior in 55- to 70-year-old Germans. Cross-sectional data was used (n = 4,891). Results indicate that paid work has a negative relationship with sufficient physical activity. Persons who provide nursing care seem to be motivated to achieve sufficient physical activity behavior, but do not meet established recommendations. Active citizenship positively relates to higher physical activity levels. The investment of energy in life domains and a distinct internal locus of control characterize motivated underachievers. Those sufficiently physically active show higher values in conscientiousness. This suggests that time-consuming and strongly externally determined activities like nursing care and paid work hinder a sufficient level of physical activity, even if the motivation is existent. Active citizenship and physical activity seem to be linked processes.