ObjectiveTo explore the influencing factors of physical activity level of retired teachers in colleges and universities.

MethodsOne hundred and forty-four retired teachers were selected from two universities in Shenyang using the convenience sampling method.The social demography data, social support, depression and physical activity were cross-sectional measured using self-designed questionnaire, social support rating scale, geriatric depression scale-30 and physical activity scale for elderly.

ResultsThe results of single factor analysis showed that the physical activity levels in female, teachers with spouses living and performing work were higher than that in male, teachers without spouses and non-performing work(P < 0.01), the higher the education level and income was, the more physical activity was(P < 0.01), and the more chronic diseases was, the less physical activity was(P < 0.01).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the gender, level of education, marital status, performing work, chronic diseases, economic income, social support and depression were the influencing factors of physical activity of retired teachers in colleges and universities.

ConclusionsAt the time of designing physical activity interventions, the improving social support and caring the depression of elderly should be paid attention to, which can be used to enhance the physical activity levels of the elderly.