Weather, Built Environment, or Personal Factors: Predictors of Walking by Independent Living Residents With Frailty

Abstract Environmental factors influence older adult physical activity. However, the evidence about which factors lead to increased physical activity is mixed and few have studied how these factors affect those with frailty or living in retirement communities. This study investigated how environmental and weather factors influence physical activity among pre-frail and frail older adults residing in independent living retirement communities. We used ActivPal accelerometers to measure 7-day step counts among (n=108) pre-frail and frail residents in 9 independent living residences in metropolitan Chicago. We conducted environmental audits using the MAPS Abbreviated tool and collected National Weather Service Station data (temperature, precipitation, and daylight minutes) during the ActivPal periods. Participants were on average 80.0 years, 74% female, and average daily step count was 3,450 (range 151 - 11,663). Four buildings were in suburban areas and 5 in urban areas and four were private-pay residences while 5 offered subsidized rent. ANOVA results showed private-pay buildings had higher total MAPS scores than subsidized buildings (p=0.001), and urban buildings had higher total MAPS scores than suburban buildings (p < 0.000). Mean step differences were non-significant between different building types: (mean steps = 3,317 private-pay, 3,629 subsidized, 3,536 urban, 3,350 suburban). Pearson product-moment correlations showed a positive association between steps and MAPS positive streetscape features (p=0.011). Multiple regression analysis showed higher temperature days, precipitation, and more minutes of daylight were associated with higher step counts (p=.04). Given the dramatic variation in individual step counts, future research should investigate personal factors that contribute to activity among independent living residents.

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Facilitators of and Barriers to Physical Activity in Retirement Communities: Experiences of Older Women in Urban Areas

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20110149 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 92 (4) ◽

pp. 551-562 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Gudfinna Bjornsdottir ◽

Solveig A. Arnadottir ◽

Sigridur Halldorsdottir

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Women ◽

Social Environment ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Preventive Measure ◽

Retirement Community ◽

Retirement Communities ◽

Personal Factors ◽

Physically Active

Abstract Background Older people are being encouraged to be physically active for as long as possible as a preventive measure against disease and functional decline. It remains, however, uncertain how living in a retirement community affects physical activity (PA). Objectives This study was conducted to understand the PA experiences of older women living in retirement communities and what they experience as facilitators of and barriers to PA. Design The study was qualitative and guided by the Vancouver School of doing phenomenology, a unique blend of phenomenology, hermeneutics, and constructivism. Method Participants were 10 women, aged from 72 to 97 years (mean=84 years). In-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results A model was constructed with 3 main themes: (1) the women themselves, including their experienced health condition, individual aspects of functioning, and various personal factors; (2) the physical environment; and (3) the social environment. These main themes all include subthemes of experienced influences on PA, such as health, design of housing and environment, and local culture. These influences could both facilitate and hinder PA, depending on the context. The facilitating effects of good outdoor areas, accessible physical training facilities, a familiar neighborhood, and finding joy in PA were clear in the study. The barriers included worsening health, a colder climate with ice and wind, and lack of a PA culture within the retirement community. Conclusions An older woman's residence may strongly influence her ability and motivation to be physically active. Physical therapists should acquaint themselves with the facilitators of and barriers to PA of women within retirement communities and use that knowledge to influence the physical and social environment and to target PA interventions to the women themselves.

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Perceived and objective availability of green and blue spaces and quality of life in people with dementia: results from the IDEAL programme

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology ◽

10.1007/s00127-021-02030-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yu-Tzu Wu ◽

◽

Linda Clare ◽

Ian Rees Jones ◽

Sharon M. Nelis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Positive Association ◽

Deprivation Level ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Future Research ◽

Interaction Terms ◽

Perceived Availability ◽

People With Dementia

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between quality of life and both perceived and objective availability of local green and blue spaces in people with dementia, including potential variation across rural/urban settings and those with/without opportunities to go outdoors. Methods This study was based on 1540 community-dwelling people with dementia in the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) programme. Quality of life was measured by the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) scale. A list of 12 types of green and blue spaces was used to measure perceived availability while objective availability was estimated using geographic information system data. Regression modelling was employed to investigate the associations of quality of life with perceived and objective availability of green and blue spaces, adjusting for individual factors and deprivation level. Interaction terms with rural/urban areas or opportunities to go outdoors were fitted to test whether the associations differed across these subgroups. Results Higher QoL-AD scores were associated with higher perceived availability of local green and blue spaces (0.82; 95% CI 0.06, 1.58) but not objective availability. The positive association between perceived availability and quality of life was stronger for urban (1.50; 95% CI 0.52, 2.48) than rural residents but did not differ between participants with and without opportunities to go outdoors. Conclusions Only perceived availability was related to quality of life in people with dementia. Future research may investigate how people with dementia utilise green and blue spaces and improve dementia-friendliness of these spaces.

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Measuring Walkability with Street Connectivity and Physical Activity: A Case Study in Iran

World ◽

10.3390/world2010004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 49-61

Author(s):

Pouya Molaei ◽

Liyaning Tang ◽

Mary Hardie

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Urban Areas ◽

International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Future Research ◽

Strong Positive Correlation ◽

Street Connectivity ◽

Walking Time ◽

Activity Questionnaire

The walkability of urban areas is an important criterion related to the level of physical activity and public health of citizens. This research aims to measure this parameter in Golsar town located in Rasht, Iran. Two methods were used in this research: Street connectivity and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The principal variables of street connectivity were measured in four districts of Golsar by Geographic Information System (GIS) to rank each one. Then, the acquired results were compared by the average walking time of the respondents of the questionnaire. The comparison explicitly indicated that there is a strong positive correlation between the measures of street connectivity and people’s tendency to walk. As well, District 1 had the highest value of connectivity and the highest average time for walking amongst the four districts. This supports the contention that walkability and the level of outdoor physical activities of people in each district are undoubtedly under the influence of the variables of street connectivity. Nevertheless, the evaluation of other indexes such as proximity, land use mix, safety, and density in Golsar, in future research. can expand our perception of the walkability of this region.

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Associations between diet quality and physical activity measures among a southern Ontario regional sample of grade 6 students

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/h10-085 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 826-833 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Sarah J. Woodruff ◽

Rhona M. Hanning

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Weight Status ◽

Positive Association ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Future Research ◽

Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine diet quality and physical activity behaviours of grade 6 students by sex and body weight status, and to determine the associations between diet quality and physical activity behaviours. The Web-based Food Behaviour Questionnaire, which included a 24-h diet recall and the modified Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), was administered to a cross-section of schools (n = 405 students from 15 schools). Measured height and weight were used to calculate body mass index and weight status (Cole et al. 2000). A Canadian version of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-C) was used to describe overall diet quality. The mean HEI-C was 69.6 (13.2) with the majority (72%) falling into the needs improvement category. The overall mean physical activity score was 3.7 out of a maximum of 5, with obese subjects being less active compared with normal weight and overweight (p < 0.001). Ordinal logistic regression analysis (of HEI-C vs. all measures of the PAQ-C, sex, and weight status) revealed that HEI-C ratings were likely to be higher in students that walked to and from school 5 days per week (vs. 0 days per week; odds ratio 3.18, p = 0.010); and were active 1 evening per week (vs. none; odds ratio 3.48, p = 0.039). The positive association between diet quality and some aspects of physical activity suggests possible clustering of health behaviours. Future research should test the potential benefits of promoting 1 health behaviour (e.g., healthy eating) with another (e.g., physical activity).

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A Pilot Study Comparing Pedometer Counts with Reported Physical Activity in Elementary Schoolchildren

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.16.4.355 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 355-367 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Greet Cardon ◽

Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Step Count ◽

Regression Equations ◽

Moderate Correlation ◽

Daily Step ◽

Step Counts ◽

Daily Step Count

In this study pedometer counts were recorded for 6 consecutive days for 92 children (mean age = 9.6 years; range 6.5–12.7) and were compared with the number of minutes per day in which the participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Diaries filled out with the assistance of one of the children’s parents were used to determine minutes of MVPA. The average daily step count was significantly higher in boys than in girls, although the average daily MVPA engagement in minutes did not vary significantly between genders. Based on the regression equations, 60 min of MVPA was equivalent to 15,340 step counts in boys, 11,317 step counts in girls, and 13,130 step counts when results for both genders were combined. A moderate correlation (r = .39, p < .001) was found between pedometer step counts and reported minutes of MVPA. According to the present study findings, however, predictions and promotion of daily MVPA engagement in children based on pedometer counts per day should be made with caution.

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Association Between Park Characteristics and Park-Based Physical Activity Using Systematic Observation: Insights from Bangkok, Thailand

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12062559 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 2559

Author(s):

Sigit D. Arifwidodo ◽

Orana Chandrasiri

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Positive Association ◽

Equal Opportunities ◽

Public Parks ◽

Systematic Observation ◽

Bivariate Logistic Regression

Parks hold an essential role in promoting physical activity in urban areas. Studies have found that park characteristics such as park size, facilities, accessibility, and aesthetics are reported to have a positive association with increasing physical activity of the urban populations. However, the evidence in the context of Southeast Asian cities is still lacking, as most studies are from North America and Europe. The study explores the associations between park characteristics and park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand. Ten major public parks were examined using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Descriptive analysis was used to understand the characteristics of park users and park-based physical activity. A bivariate logistic regression model was employed to determine the variables of park characteristics and of having moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We found that parks with bigger sizes and better access to public transport were associated with a higher likelihood of users having MVPA in the park. We also found that adding more facilities in the park, even if they are specifically aimed for physical activity, would not increase the likelihood of having MVPA. The findings from the study suggested that investing in better accessibility and physical quality of existing parks as well as improving equal opportunities for park use will be a more sensible option for promoting park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand.

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effect of physical activity on independent living ability among community-dwelling elderly in urban areas of Liaoning Province in China: a population-based study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023543 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. e023543 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bowen Wang ◽

Yijiao Wu ◽

Tianjiao Zhang ◽

Jinsong Han ◽

Lianzheng Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Psychological Factors ◽

Independent Living ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Liaoning Province ◽

Social Psychological ◽

Population Based Study

ObjectiveIndependent living ability is crucial for the elderly; however, its assessment performed in China employs various scales and lacks risk factors, especially behavioural and social-psychological factors, which could be improved through health education. This study aimed to assess the independent living ability of community-dwelling elderly in urban areas of China and to identify the association with behavioral and social-psychological factors.DesignA population-based study using random cluster sampling method was performed in two core cities in Liaoning Province during March–November 2012.Study population3686 individuals who were >=65 years old, had no dementia and cognitive impairment, had lived in the sampled communities for >=5 years and could take part in the study were enrolled.Main outcome measuresInterviews were conducted to collect information of independent living ability, indicated by the instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), behavioural factors, social-psychological factors and confounders (demographic characteristics and health status). The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to screen for cognitive impairment.ResultsThe independence rate was 46.3% in men and 41.1% in women. Structural equation modelling analysis showed that physical activity, drawn from taking a walk and doing exercise, had the strongest association with the IADL in both men (−0.34, SE 0.10) and women (−0.33, SE 0.11). Falling in the last year and worrying about falling were also significantly associated with IADL. The effects of regular drinking, feeling lonely and participating in entertainment were significant in men.ConclusionThe independent living ability of the elderly in urban areas in Liaoning Province in China was at a low level. Physical activity was one of the important roles in both men and women; whereas the role of social-psychological factors only existed in men. Gender-specific healthcare and education to avoid sedentary life should be advocated for the elderly to maintain/improve their independent living ability.

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A Survey of Exercise Programs in Senior Living Facilities in the State of Illinois

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.5.3.262 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 262-272 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Mieke G. Wasner ◽

James H. Rimmer

Keyword(s):

Sports Medicine ◽

Independent Living ◽

Future Research ◽

Retirement Communities ◽

Full Time ◽

Exercise Science ◽

Exercise Programs ◽

Type Of Exercise ◽

Physical Therapy Programs ◽

Exercise Classes

This study evaluated nontherapeutic exercise programs offered in senior living facilities (SLFs), which included nursing homes, licensed and nonlicensed continuing care retirement communities, and senior independent living apartments. Exercise programs were evaluated on five criteria: number of different classes offered, instructors’ employment titles, exercise setting, program staffing levels, and amount and type of exercise equipment. Data revealed that chair exercises were the most common form of exercise, followed by stretching and supervised walking. The majority of exercise leaders were employed full-time (60%) but did not have degrees in exercise science, physical education, nursing, or physical therapy. Programs were mainly offered in multipurpose rooms or in other areas such as dining rooms, hallways, or lounges. Less than 27% of the SLFs followed American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines. This study found little consistency in the type of exercise programs offered to older adults in SLFs. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of exercise classes offered in these facilities.

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Stay Home and Stay Active? The impact of stay-at-home restrictions on physical activity routines in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.1101/2021.01.31.21250863 ◽

2021 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Victoria Eshelby ◽

Muhammed Sogut ◽

Kate Jolly ◽

Ivo Vlaev ◽

Mark T. Elliott

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Step Count ◽

Daily Step ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Daily Step Count ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACTGovernment restrictions applied during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK led to the disruption of many people’s physical activity routines, with sports and leisure facilities closed and outdoor exercise only permitted once per day. In this study we investigated which population groups were impacted most in terms of reduced physical activity levels during these periods, and which groups benefitted in terms of increasing their usual level of physical activity. We surveyed UK residents, sampled through users of a rewards-for-exercise app (Sweatcoin; n=749) and an online panel (Prolific; n=907). Of the app users, n=487 further provided daily step-count data collected by the app, prior to, and during the periods of restrictions between March and June 2020. Regression models were applied to investigate factors associated with subjective change (perceived change in physical activity) and objective change (log-percentage change in daily step-count) in physical activity during the periods of restrictions. ANOVAs were used to further investigate the significant factors identified. Key factors associated with a substantial subjective reduction in physical activity included those classed as obese, gym users and people living in urban areas. All participants had a reduced step count during restrictions, with Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups, students and urban dwellers showing the largest reductions. Therefore, targeted interventions are required to ensure that the physical and mental health impacts of sedentary behaviour are not exacerbated over the long-term by significant reductions in physical activity identified in these groups, particularly those who are also more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.

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Abstract P015: Objectively Measured Step Counts Was Independently Associated With Higher Cognition in Apparently Healthy Japanese Men

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.137.suppl_1.p015 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Takeshi Shibukawa ◽

Akira Fujiyoshi ◽

Katsuyuki Miura ◽

Naoko Miyagawa ◽

Yoshino Saito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Positive Association ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Step Count ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Japanese Men ◽

Step Counts ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

Apparently Healthy

Introduction: A positive association between physical activity and cognition has been reported. However, very few pertinent studies have evaluated physical activity by objective measures. Hypothesis: In a community-based sample of non-demented men, objectively measured step count was positively associated with higher cognitive function. Methods: The Shiga Epidemiological Study of Subclinical Atherosclerosis (SESSA) randomly recruited community-dwelling apparently healthy men aged 40-79 years from Shiga, Japan, and measured their step counts over 7 consecutive days using a pedometer (DIGI-Walker, DW-200) at baseline (2006-08). Among 853 mem who returned for follow-up (2010-12), we assessed their cognition using Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) score. The score can range from 0 to 100, and higher score indicates better cognition. We restricted our analyses to those with a valid 7-day average step count at baseline and who remained free of stroke (N=678). We calculated crude and adjusted mean CASI score according to quartile of average step count using linear regression models. All adjusting covariates used in models were asssessed at baseline including age, educational attainment, smoking, and drinking. Results: The mean [standard deviation] of age and unadjusted score were 63.8 [9.1] years and 90.8 [5.8]. Mean CASI score was higher in higher quartile of average step: 90.2, 90.4, 90.6, and 91.8 from the lowest to the highest quartile of average step ( P for trend =0.004) in a model adjusted for age and education. Further adjustment for smoking, drinking and other cardiovascular risk factors resulted in similar pattern of association (Table 1). Conclusions: Apparently healthy Japanese men with greater 7-day average step count at baseline measured with pedometer was associated with a small but significantly higher CASI score than those with fewer step count. The finding is consistent with the hypothesis that physical activity is protective for cognition in non-demented individuals.

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