MOBILITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS: OBSERVATIONAL AND INTERVENTION RESEARCH

Abstract Mobility disability is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in late life. Physical activity [PA] is a modifiable behavior that can reduce mobility disability, as well as improve physical and mental health outcomes in older adults. However, only a minority of older adults meet the minimum PA requirements based on national guidelines. Research examining factors impacting PA and mobility in late life, as well as novel interventions to increase PA and improve mobility is essential to enhancing health and wellbeing. This symposium will provide an overview of observational and intervention research focused on understanding factors associated with PA and mobility, as well as intervention research designed to increase PA and improve mobility in older adults. First, Dr. Lien Quach will present research examining the impact of social engagement in reducing the risk of mobility decline among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Second, Dr. Patricia Bamonti will examine psychological factors related to uptake and adherence of pulmonary rehabilitation in older Veterans. Third, Dr. Stephanie Robinson will explore engagement, feasibility, acceptability, and change in PA following a web-based intervention in middle-aged and older adult patients with COPD. Fourth, Dr. Elisa Ogawa will present research examining the feasibility and acceptability of an exergaming intervention compared to an exercise control condition among older adults at risk for falls. The symposium will conclude with discussion led by Jonathan Bean, MD, MPH, who will highlight implications of findings across studies and identify areas for future research.

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PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG AT-RISK OLDER ADULTS: THE IMPACT FROM PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igy023.2738 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. 742-743

Author(s):

M Ory ◽

S Towne ◽

Y Du ◽

S Lee ◽

M Smith

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

The Impact

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Social Engagement and Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in India

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.815 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 212-213

Author(s):

Kasturi Banerjee ◽

Tamara Baker

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Cultural Landscape ◽

Indian Population ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Future Research ◽

Exact Nature ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

The Impact

Abstract Social networks and family support are known to have benefits for many older adults globally, and India is no exception. However, the exact nature of the impact of these factors on depression in the Indian population remains largely unexplored. Considering the aging Indian population and changing socio-cultural landscape, it is important to identify the role of social engagement and neighborhood factors in the mental health needs of these older adults. To address this need, this study aimed to identify predictors of depressive symptoms among individuals aged 45+ years from four states in India. Data were taken from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) pilot survey in 2010, focusing on the influence social activities, family factors and neighborhood satisfaction variables have on depressive symptomatology. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted and found that residing in a southern state (Karnataka and Kerala) (β=.178, p<0.05); lower life satisfaction (β= -.261, p<0.05); having more living children (β=.110, p<0.05), less frequently or never visiting friends and relatives (β=.079, p<0.05) and not liking the neighborhood (β=.072, p<0.05) were predictors of depressive symptoms. These findings are consistent with limited extant literature on the importance of family and social engagement as predictors of depressive symptoms in this population. Future research should focus on qualitatively examining the interaction between depressive symptoms and social engagement within this population, thereby helping develop targeted interventions, measure outcomes and long term, community engagement-based prevention programs.

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Mobility, Physical Activity, and Social Engagement of Community-Living Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.096 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 27-27

Author(s):

Wenjun Li ◽

Lien Quach

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Ethnic Disparities ◽

Personal Characteristics ◽

Living Environment ◽

Community Living ◽

Community Programs ◽

The Impact

Abstract Mobility, physical activity and social engagement are important to healthy aging and independent living among older adults. This symposium includes four related studies on these issues. Dr. Lien Quach and her team examined racial and ethnic disparities in social engagement among community-living older adults using data from the national Health and Retirement Study. The analysis found that Asians and Hispanics had significantly lower social engagement score compared with non-Hispanic Whites, advocating for further investigations of the causes of racial disparities in social engagement. Dr. Su-I Hou’s study examined the impact of physical activity and social relationship on social engagement. The study found positive impacts of more physical activity, better social relationships and volunteers on social engagement. The results have important implications to promotion of social engagement among older adults participating in aging-in-community programs. Dr. Ladda Thiamwong’s study demonstrated the benefits of using assistive health technology (AHT) to assess the relationships between fall risks, body compositions and objectively measured physical activity in older adults. Dr. Thiamwong’ will discuss the research protocol and preliminary results. Dr. Li’s Health Aging and Neighborhood Study examined variations of older adults’ driving behaviors by sex, age, race, income, health status and housing density of the neighborhoods. The study found substantial differences in mobility and driving patterns by both personal characteristics and neighborhood living environment. The findings have important implications to community programs that support older adults aging in place.

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The Impact of Leisure Activities on Older Adults’ Cognitive Function, Physical Function, and Mental Health

10.31234/osf.io/sk4ez ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Giovanni Sala ◽

Daniela Jopp ◽

Fernand Gobet ◽

Madoka Ogawa ◽

Yukie Masui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Physical Function ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

The Elderly ◽

Future Research ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

The Impact

Engagement in leisure activities has been claimed to be highly beneficial in the elderly. Practicing such activities is supposed to help older adults to preserve cognitive function, physical function, and mental health, and thus to contribute to successful aging. We built an SEM model analyzing the impact of leisure activities on these constructs in a large sample of Japanese older adults (N = 809; age range 72-74). The model exhibited an excellent fit (CFI = 1), and engaging in leisure activities was positively associated with all the three successful aging indicators.These findings corroborate previous research carried out in Western countries and extend its validity to the population of Eastern older adults. Albeit correlational in nature, these results suggest that active engagement in leisure activities can help older adults to maintain cognitive, physical, and mental health. Future research will clarify whether there is a causal relationship between engagement in leisure activities and successful aging.

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DISCRIMINATION AND DEPRESSION IN MID- TO LATE LIFE: THE ROLE OF OPTIMISM

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1154 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S315-S316

Author(s):

Elliottnell Perez ◽

Joseph Dzierzewski ◽

Scott Ravyts

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Positive Association ◽

Late Life ◽

The United States ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Life Orientation Test ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract he positive association between discrimination and depression is well-supported throughout the literature. Previous evidence exploring potential mechanisms suggest discrimination is associated with depression via changes in social cognition. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether optimism explained the relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms in mid-to-late life. Furthermore, the study assessed whether this mediated relationship was moderated by race or sex. This study included cross-sectional and longitudinal secondary data analysis of 2453 middle-aged and older adults (M age=68.30,SD=8.93) from the Midlife in the United States study. Discrimination was measured using an 11-item count of the number of discriminatory events experienced. Optimism was measured using the 6-item Life Orientation Test. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 7-item count of the number of symptoms experienced. Optimism mediated the relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms cross-sectionally, 95% CI:[.012, .034], and longitudinally, 95% CI:[.008, .024]. There was no evidence of moderated mediation; however, sex did moderate the direct relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms cross-sectionally, b=.10, 95% CI:[.001, .194], and longitudinally, b=.03, 95% CI:[.01, .05]. The current study extends the literature by providing cross-sectional and longitudinal support for optimism as a mechanism through which discrimination leads to depressive symptoms in older adults. Evidence also suggests that women experience greater depressive symptoms than men in response to discrimination. Future research may wish to examine the developmental course of observed relationships and the impact of multiple marginalized identities on these relationships.

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Physical Activity in High School Classrooms: A Promising Avenue for Future Research

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19020688 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 688

Author(s):

Barbara Fenesi ◽

Jeffrey D. Graham ◽

Madeline Crichton ◽

Michelle Ogrodnik ◽

Jasmyn Skinner

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

High School ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Later Life ◽

Sensitive Period ◽

Future Research ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Physically Active ◽

High School Classrooms ◽

The Impact

Adolescence represents a sensitive period whereby lifestyle factors such as physical activity can have profound, long-lasting effects on development and later life habits. However, adolescence constitutes a period of frequent sedentary behaviour. Among children, integrating physical activity into elementary school classrooms has been shown to reduce sedentary behaviour and improve academic achievement and overall physical and mental health. However, this promising area of research has not extended to adolescents and high school classrooms. In this paper, we describe the benefits of conducting research on the impact of physically active high school classrooms, and highlight the challenges and potential misconceptions associated with research in this field. Specifically, we review research on the role of physical activity in adolescent development, the benefits of classroom-based physical activity for children, and discuss the factors that may have led researchers to focus on classroom-based physical activity primarily for children, despite the potentially similar benefits for adolescents.

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Refining Evidence-Based Treatments for Late-Life Depression

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000127 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 67-76

Author(s):

Grace C. Niu ◽

Patricia A. Arean

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Brain Plasticity ◽

Late Life ◽

Aging Population ◽

The United States ◽

Future Research ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Late Life Depression ◽

Evidence Based Treatments

The recent increase in the aging population, specifically in the United States, has raised concerns regarding treatment for mental illness among older adults. Late-life depression (LLD) is a complex condition that has become widespread among the aging population. Despite the availability of behavioral interventions and psychotherapies, few depressed older adults actually receive treatment. In this paper we review the research on refining treatments for LLD. We first identify evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for LLD and the problems associated with efficacy and dissemination, then review approaches to conceptualizing mental illness, specifically concepts related to brain plasticity and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoc). Finally, we introduce ENGAGE as a streamlined treatment for LLD and discuss implications for future research.

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Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 343-343

Author(s):

Abbey Hamlin ◽

A Zarina Kraal ◽

Laura Zahodne

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Future Research ◽

Social Activities ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

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Training may enhance early childhood educators’ self-efficacy to lead physical activity in childcare

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10400-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Brianne A. Bruijns ◽

Andrew M. Johnson ◽

Jennifer D. Irwin ◽

Shauna M. Burke ◽

Molly Driediger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Critical Role ◽

Early Childhood Educators ◽

Outdoor Play ◽

Future Research ◽

Intervention Component ◽

Space Extension ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Early childhood educators (ECEs) play a critical role in promoting physical activity (PA) among preschoolers in childcare; thus, PA-related training for ECEs is essential. The Supporting PA in the Childcare Environment (SPACE) intervention incorporated: 1. shorter, more frequent outdoor play sessions; 2. provision of portable play equipment; and, PA training for ECEs. An extension of the SPACE intervention (the SPACE-Extension) incorporated only the shorter, more frequent outdoor play periods component of the original SPACE intervention. The purpose of this study was to explore the individual impact of these interventions on ECEs’ PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Methods ECEs from the SPACE (n = 83) and SPACE-Extension (n = 31) were administered surveys at all intervention time-points to assess: self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA (n = 6 items; scale 0 to 100); self-efficacy to implement the intervention (n = 6 items); and, knowledge of preschooler-specific PA and screen-viewing guidelines (n = 2 items). A linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the impact of each intervention on ECEs’ self-efficacy and knowledge and controlled for multiple comparison bias. Results The SPACE intervention significantly impacted ECEs’ self-efficacy to engage preschoolers in PA for 180 min/day (main effect), and when outdoor playtime was not an option (interaction effect). Further, the interaction model for ECEs’ knowledge of the total PA guideline for preschoolers approached significance when compared to the main effects model. Participants within the SPACE-Extension did not demonstrate any significant changes in self-efficacy or knowledge variables. Conclusions Findings from this study highlight the benefit of ECE training in PA with regard to fostering their PA-related self-efficacy and knowledge. Future research should explore the impact of PA training for ECEs uniquely in order to determine if this intervention component, alone, can produce meaningful changes in children’s PA behaviours at childcare.

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Longitudinal Association Between Education and Disability in Older Adults Living in Iceland

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1274 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 396-396

Author(s):

Milan Chang ◽

Olof Geirsdottir ◽

Lenore Launer ◽

Vilmundur Gudnasson ◽

Palmi Jonsson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Late Life ◽

Mobility Disability ◽

College And University ◽

Disability Status ◽

Adl Disability ◽

And Gender ◽

Access To Medical Care ◽

Life Education

Abstract BACKGROUND: Disabilities among older adults are associated with cumulative adversities such as low socioeconomic status (SES), poor nutrition, and lack of access to medical care and education. However, there is little evidence on the long-term association between education and disability status among older adults in Iceland. The aim of the study was to examine the association between mid-life education and prevalence of disability in activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility disability in late-life using 25 years of longitudinal data. METHODS: A large community-based population residing in Reykjavik, Iceland participated in a longitudinal study with an average of 25 years of follow-up (N=5764, mean age 77±6 yrs, 57.7% of women) Mid-life education was categorized into 2 groups (primary and secondary versus college and university). Disability status in late life was defined with ADL and mobility disability with a binary outcome (no difficulty versus any difficulty). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association. RESULTS: After controlling for age and gender, and midlife health risk factors, those who had high education at mid-life were less likely to have ADL disability (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.75, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.64 ~ 0.88, P ≤ 0.001) and mobility disability (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61 ~ 0.86, P < 0.001) compared with those who had low education in mid-life. CONCLUSION: People with high mid-life education were less likely to have ADL and mobility disability after 25 years later.

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