Associations between sedentary behavior and happiness: An analysis of influential factors among middle-aged and older adults from six low- and middle-income countries

Abstract Background low levels of well-being (including happiness) in the older population are major global concern given rapid population ageing especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical activity may increase levels of happiness, but data on the older population are scarce, while there are no data from LMICs. Objective we investigated the relationship between physical activity and happiness, and the influential factors in this association among older adults employing nationally representative datasets from six LMICs. Methods community-based cross-sectional data from the Global Ageing and Adult Health study were analysed. Physical activity was assessed with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were grouped into those who do and do not meet physical activity recommendations. Happiness was assessed with a cross-culturally validated single-item question (range 0–4) with higher scores indicating higher levels of happiness. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression and mediation analyses were performed. Results the sample included 14,585 adults aged ≥65 years (mean age = 72.6 ± SD 11.4 years; 55% female). After adjusting for multiple confounders, meeting physical activity guidelines was positively associated with more happiness (fully adjusted model, odds ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.54). The physical activity–happiness association was largely explained by difficulties in mobility, cognitive impairment, disability and social cohesion, which explained ≥20% of the association. Conclusions meeting recommended physical activity levels was positively linked with happiness in older adults from LMICs. Longitudinal and interventional studies among older people in LMICs are warranted to assess directionality and the potential for physical activity promotion to improve mental well-being in this population.

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Relationship between sedentary behavior and depression: A mediation analysis of influential factors across the lifespan among 42,469 people in low- and middle-income countries

Journal of Affective Disorders ◽

10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.104 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 229 ◽

pp. 231-238 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Brendon Stubbs ◽

Davy Vancampfort ◽

Joseph Firth ◽

Felipe B. Schuch ◽

Mats Hallgren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Mediation Analysis ◽

Influential Factors ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Low And Middle Income

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Body Mass Index and Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-215345 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Lee Smith ◽

Jae Il Shin ◽

Hans Oh ◽

Christina Carmichael ◽

Louis Jacob ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Body Mass ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Low And Middle Income

Background: The effect of weight modification on future dementia risk is currently a subject of debate and may be modified by age. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) status with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (a preclinical stage of dementia) in middle-aged and older adults residing in six low- and middle-income countries using nationally representative data. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) were analyzed. MCI was defined using the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association criteria. BMI (kg/m2) was based on measured weight and height and categorized as: underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), and obese (≥30.0). Multivariable logistic regression analysis and meta-analysis were conducted to assess associations. Results: Data on 32,715 individuals aged ≥50 years with preservation in functional abilities were analyzed [mean (SD) age 62.1 (15.6) years; 51.7% females]. Among those aged 50–64 years, compared to normal weight, underweight (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.14–1.81), overweight (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.002–1.37), and obesity (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.09–1.94) were all significantly associated with higher odds for MCI. In those aged ≥65 years, underweight (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.54–0.95) and overweight (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.55–0.94) were associated with significantly lower odds for MCI, while obesity was not significantly associated with MCI. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that the association between BMI and MCI is likely moderated by age. Future longitudinal studies are required to confirm or refute the present findings before recommendations for policy and practice can be made.

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Correlates of Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Hazardous Drinking Habits in Six Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2017-0213 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 589-598 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Davy Vancampfort ◽

Brendon Stubbs ◽

Mats Hallgren ◽

Andreas Lundin ◽

James Mugisha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Hazardous Drinking ◽

Urban Setting ◽

World Health ◽

Drinking Patterns ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Low And Middle Income

We investigated physical activity (PA) correlates among middle-aged and older adults (aged ≥50 years) with hazardous drinking patterns in six low- and middle-income countries. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. Hazardous drinking was defined as consuming >7 (females) or >14 (males) standard drinks per week. Participants were dichotomized into low (i.e., not meeting 150 min of moderate PA/week) and moderate–high physically active groups. Associations between PA and a range of correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. The prevalence of low PA in 1,835 hazardous drinkers (60.5 ± 13.1 years; 87.9% males) was 16.2% (95% confidence interval [13.9%, 18.9%]). Older age, living in an urban setting, being unemployed, depression, underweight, obesity, asthma, visual impairment, poor self-rated health, and higher levels of disability were identified as significant PA correlates. The current data provide important guidance for future interventions to assist older hazardous drinkers to engage in regular PA.

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