Physical activity is important health behavior for functional independence and quality of life in older people. This study examined factors that influence older people's engagement in physical activity.

Data were analyzed from the first wave of the Melbourne Longitudinal Studies on Health Ageing program survey of 1000 persons aged 65 yrs and older living in noninstitutional settings in Melbourne, Australia.

Most people reported doing some physical activity in the previous 2 wks. Agreement that there was much older people can do to keep healthy influenced reported physical activity behaviour. Most respondents believed they did enough activity. Age, educational status, and income were also correlates of physical activity behavior. The predictors of energetic physical activity behavior (defined as engaging in both energetic and light activities in the past fortnight) were age, education, personal security score, and positive health beliefs, independent of health status.

These predictors have implications for planning and tailoring delivery of health promotion interventions.