Physical activity attenuates the impact of poor physical, mental, and social health on total and cardiovascular mortality in older adults: a population-based prospective cohort study

Over a median follow-up of 14 years, a total of 1811 deaths occurred, 674 due to CVD. Hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for all-cause mortality were 1.35 (1.18–1.55), 1.18 (1.02–1.36), and 1.37 (1.18–1.58) for poor vs. good physical, mental, and social health, respectively (all p trend < 0.001). Being physically active was associated with a 28% (15–39%), 31% (19–42%), and 19% (5–31%) lower all-cause mortality in participants with poor physical, mental, and social health, respectively. In each health dimension, physically active individuals with poor health showed a similar or lower all-cause mortality than those who had intermediate or good health but were physically inactive. Results for CVD mortality were similar to those for all-cause death.