From my perspective (wich relates to the "active ageing" paradigm) social determinants of PA should be adressed in two ways. First one should understand that determinants like culture and gender should be acknowledge as cross-cutting determinants. Culture values influence the way one see themselves and at the same time the way others see the individual. Culture shapes the way populations adress some questions and as well as influence other determinants. Secondly, from the social environment point of view matters such as social support, opportunities for education and lifelong learning, peace, and protection from violence and abuse should be taken into account when analysing this determinant.

Liliana

As physical activity a complex behavior, there are several social determinants factors enrolled in. There are some ecolgical and hierarchical models that explain biological, environmental and social variables that encompass the ones that you and Teresa mentioned, and others related to education, sustainability, connectivity, ans so on. If you go to www.projectguia.org you'll find more information about this subject.

Dear Teresa Bento and dear Mario Bracco, I'm very grtefull for your suggestions and for sharing with me your idea. Let me add something about my thoughts.

We know that within countries there are dramatic differences in health, and also in PA behaviours, that are closely linked with degrees of social disadvantage. Social determinants are defined as 'modifiable factors in the physical and social environment that impose a direct influence on the opportunity to engage in physical activity.'

Whether people adopt an active lifestyle is a complex behavioural process that is influenced by the interaction of various factors:

1. individual determinants (e.g.: age, gender, attitudes, previous experiences, intention, self-efficacy, perceived benefits of PA ...)

2. social determinants. Social inequality including income inequality, low education, gender and racial discrimination as well as other dimensions of a community such as social cohesion, social capital and neighbourhood SES, may have negative impacts on health and are associated to a lack of PA and obesity epidemic.

3. environmental physical determinants (e.g. Mixed land use, access to public green areas, availability of walkably designed neighborhoods routes and system of public transport).

4. environmental institutional determinants. The idea is that the institutional setting and regulatory instruments have a key role in explaining the successful implementation of a PA promotion programme in different countries. Policies shape our environment and system of rules became cultural artefacts that influence people behaviour as other determinants. The strengthening of measure and plans about physical education in schools (inside or outside the curriculum) also has a role to play here.

What do you think about the fourth determinant of the list? Usually Public health agency (e.g., Canadian public health agency ) limit this kind of determinant to the availability of health services. I believe that this represents only one of the possible factors related to 'institutional determinants.

Are there any other suggestions). Hi Liliana Leone

I believe you are right. There are some management tools that you called as institutional determinants, that exert some effects in the PA behavior amnong populations. In Brazil, th Ministry of Health is encouraging physical activity promotion in accordance with a public policy that was published in 2007. There are some explanantions about this in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health focused on the analisys of effective interventions in Latin America. You will find it at the project Guia website.

Physical activity, on any level, can be derived from a person's behavioral experience and outlook, that, as stated above by Liliana Leone, are the individual's determinants. Availability of an open field or court that provides a safe atmosphere to enjoy physical activity can be a challenge too improbable to imagine for some urban residents, just as motivation can be difficult to harness for a shy person. In order to understand physical activity, you must consider environment, personality, cultural background, and influence in a person's life in order to get people moving. Not everyone enjoys the same type of activity or excels at traditional sports, and therefore needs a fresh approach to reach those that live "outside the playground", if you will. Just as many of our populations attend church on Sunday, there are just as many watching football instead. The innate differences between these two characters is only one American example of our fundamental factions, yet illustrates just how different of an approach one would need to employ in order to reach and motivate each. I agree with the list of 4 determinants Ms. Leone gave, and insist upon giving light to such in an effort to get people moving towards a healthier lifestyle. Environmental issues as simple as the climate may prove challenging to traditional methods of promoting physical activity, and yet something as complex as one's religious views may not even be an issue. Presentation and planning will allow for those types of barriers to be broken, but you must understand the demographic-not just the majority-you wish to reach. Be prepared with alternative activities for a variety of needs as well as skill. For instance, just because a Muslim woman wears a Birkha, traditionally speaking, it does not mean she couldn't, or wouldn't, engage in a game of say, tennis, right? However, providing an environment considerate of comfort's sake like an indoor match with an audience of only women, would be a more suitable circumstance in which she would perhaps be more likely to engage in the activity.

Religious or cultural reasoning may not always be the determinant, yet as stated, one's personality may be an overwhelming factor in their decision to be active. A shy young girl may be able to perform every cheer in her own backyard, but the thought of doing so in front of anyone renders her paralyzed with fear. Shyness may be typical insecurity, or a residual symptom of abuse, either way it is tricky to reverse such a perception. Support, encouragement, comfort and acceptance no matter what, are your best arsenal against the insecurity plague. Believing in one's self can invigorate the "can do" spirit, the internal fight, that drives motivation and courage.

Another example of a demographic in need of physical activity, are urban youth. Some are active, but more counteractive or counterproductive in their efforts. Sure, most urban areas have some sort of YMCA or park that serves part of the population, yet not all, and it fails those that fall prey to the pressure of gang intimidation or other delinquent behaviors. Strategies that have been initiated and have proven effective, are urban renewal initiatives that give residents the opportunity to improve, not only their communities, but themselves with the power of civic pride. These examples are two very different characters in our real world, but having understanding, tolerance, patience, respect, and knowledge can make all the difference when trying to motivate someone to make an effort, even if it is in their best interest and compounded with a plethora of rewards...if only.

t ex. trafic, enviroment planning, distance to service, work, schools etc., safety, roads I guess:)

Also social aspects are important (loneliness could be also structural? If your nearest are living far a away)