Self-monitored versus supervised walking programs for older adults

Walking programs alone or in combination with behavioral interventions have proven effective at improving quality of life among older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). It is unclear, however, whether the combination of both of these treatments is more effective at improving cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults with knee OA than a walking program alone or than unsupervised self-directed walking. In this study, we assessed cardiorespiratory fitness with 3 programs: a structured supervised community-based aerobic walking program with a behavioral intervention (WB; n = 41); a supervised program of walking only (W; n = 42); and an unsupervised self-directed walking program (n = 32). We measured maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), exercise test duration, and workload, heart rate, and ventilation at maximum aerobic capacity in older adults with knee OA after 6 months of WB, W, or self-directed walking. Overall, V̇O2peak improved by 4% in female walkers (+0.9 ± 2.5 mL O2·kg−1·min−1; p < 0.001) and 5% in male walkers (+1.3 ± 2.7 mL O2·kg−1·min−1; p < 0.001), and the change in fitness was similar with all 3 walking interventions. In conclusion, low- to moderate-intensity walking may improve and (or) prevent decrements in cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults with OA. This response was comparable in supervised walkers with and without a behavioral intervention and in unsupervised self-directed walkers.

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Effective Peer Leader Attributes for the Promotion of Walking in Older Adults

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnaa014 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (6) ◽

pp. 1137-1148 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marlene Kritz ◽

Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani ◽

Barbara Mullan ◽

Joanne McVeigh ◽

Nikos Ntoumanis

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Peer Leaders ◽

Walking Intervention ◽

Leader Attributes ◽

Leader Training ◽

Walking Programs ◽

Leader Role ◽

Peer Leader

Abstract Background and Objectives Peer-led interventions are promising for the promotion of physical activity behavior in older adults. However, little is known about the attributes of effective older peer leaders in such intervention programs. The objective was to determine what older adults perceive to be effective peer leader attributes. Research Design and Methods A mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design was used. Participants, aged 60 years and older, were recruited from retirement villages and existing walking groups in Western Australia. They were predominantly white, Australian-born, female, healthy retirees. The sample consisted of four groups of older adults: those who had taken part in past peer-led walking programs (experienced walkers; n = 18), those interested in joining as walkers in a peer-led walking intervention (inexperienced walkers; n = 43), those interested to take on a peer leader role (inexperienced peer leaders; n = 25), and those who had already served as peer leaders (experienced peer leaders; n = 15). Questionnaires measured perceived effective leadership attributes, and physical activity was measured using ActivPAL devices (N = 101; Mage [SD] = 75.36 [7.59]). Semistructured interviews were conducted with the majority of participants (N = 68; Mage [SD] = 74.68 [7.78]). Results Overall, participants described an effective peer leader as optimistic, compassionate, and friendly, but differences in perceptions were apparent between the groups. Discussion and Implications Our findings advance knowledge about important characteristics of an effective older peer leader, which can inform peer leader training, recruitment of peer leaders, and future scale development.

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Neighborhood Walkability and Physical and Mental Health among Older Adults Living in a Deprived Community

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2355 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 620-621

Author(s):

Rie Suzuki ◽

Jennifer Blackwood ◽

Shailee Shah ◽

Noah Webster

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Health ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neighborhood Walkability ◽

Walking Programs

Abstract Background Identifying the factors to improve the quality of life (QOL) is vital to decrease morbidity and mortality rates among older adults. Although unfavorable neighborhood features have a significant negative impact on QOL, few studies have investigated these relationships in a deprived community. The purpose of the study was to understand how neighborhood walkability is associated with QOL using the SF-36 among urban-dwelling older adults. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited in 2018 and 2019 at regional health clinics in Flint, MI. To be eligible, participants had to be over 65 years old and Flint residents. Results Of the 132 participants, the majority were female (66%), African American (77%), single, divorced, or widowed (75%), and educated below GED level (84%). After adjusting for gender, assistive device use, medication, and the Supplemental Security Income receipt, multiple regression analysis revealed that those with better perceptions of land-mixed use and accessibility within their neighborhood were more likely to have better physical health (β = .36, p<.05). However, the perceptions of greater pedestrian safety were associated with the poor physical and mental health (PCS; β = -0.19, p <.05; MCS; β = -0.25, p < .05). Perceptions of the presence of walking hazards and crime were not significantly associated with QOL. Discussion Findings suggest that neighborhood walkability characteristics are associated with physical health. The development of walking programs with accessible neighborhoods will be urgent to improve the health-related QOL for older adults living in a targeted community.

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EVIDENCE AND PRACTICE OF MALL WALKING PROGRAMS FOR MIDLIFE AND OLDER ADULTS

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnv237.01 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 55 (Suppl_2) ◽

pp. 518-518

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Walking Programs

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The Effect of Season on Physical Activity Among Older Adults in King County, Washington

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.3.3.304 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 304-313

Author(s):

Allen Cheadle

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Seasonal Pattern ◽

Population Based ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance ◽

Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽

Walking Programs ◽

General Physical ◽

The Impact

Background:Effective promotion of physical activity among older adults, and the evaluation of those efforts, requires a better understanding of the impact of seasonal patterns on physical activity.Methods:This article used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a population-based telephone survey, to examine the association between levels of physical activity among older adults and season of the year, temperature, and rainfall.Results:A statistically significant seasonal pattern was identified for general physical activity; for example, recommended physical activity was 62% higher in relative terms in June than in December (63% active versus 39%). However, no significant association was found between season and walking, and rainfall and temperature did not appear to influence the level of activity over and above the effect of season.Conclusions:Evaluations of walking programs for seniors may not need to make adjustments for seasonality when measuring impact using pre/post surveys.

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An Intentionally Designed Walking Program for Seniors Results in Enhanced Community Connection

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2020-0257 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Kellie Walters ◽

Mary Marshall ◽

Alexandra Nicole Wilkinson ◽

Michael Duxx Natividad

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Focus Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Group Activity ◽

Social Connections ◽

Social Connection ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Walking Program ◽

Walking Programs

Social connection is vital for older adults’ physical and psychological well-being, yet nearly one third of them report feeling lonely. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a monthly walking program (walking once a month for 8 months) on older adults’ community connection. Older adults (Mage = 78.06 ± 5.98 years) completed a focus group at the completion of the program (n = 15). Qualitative findings indicate that participation in the walking program led to enhanced social connection. Researchers developed six major themes: (1) frequent and engaging walking programs, (2) benefits of group activity, (3) enhanced social connections, (4) connection to the community, (5) knowledge about transit, and (6) personal well-being, and 10 subthemes. Implications from this study highlight the importance of designing a walking program with older adults’ needs and desires in mind.

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Benefits of a Pole Walking Program Offered by Community Organizations on Physical Fitness, Psychological Well-Being, and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2018-0055 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (5) ◽

pp. 653-662

Author(s):

Baptiste Fournier ◽

Maxime Lussier ◽

Nathalie Bier ◽

Johanne Filiatrault ◽

Manon Parisien ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Community Organizations ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Deterioration ◽

Walking Program ◽

Walking Programs ◽

The Impact ◽

Pole Walking

The authors examined the effects of a 12-week pole walking program on function and well-being in 123 older adults aged 60 years and older, recruited by community organizations. The results showed a significant improvement in the participants’ upper and lower limb strength in the experimental groups compared with those in the control groups (p < .05) and a significant deterioration in the walking speed and grip strength in women in the control groups compared with those in the experimental groups (p < .05). Although not statistically significant, the results also showed a trend toward greater improvement in global cognitive function in the participants in the experimental groups (p = .076). These results suggest that a pole walking program provided in natural conditions can improve physical capabilities in older adults. Other studies are warranted to further explore the impact of pole walking programs on older adults offered in such conditions, especially their impact on cognitive functions.

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WALKING AWAY FROM LONELINESS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL ISOLATION

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3082 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S836-S837

Author(s):

Natalie Shellito ◽

Nidya Velasco Roldan

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Positive Association ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Item Score ◽

Frequency Of Contact ◽

Walking Programs ◽

The Relationship

Abstract This study examines the relationship between physical activity (PA) and loneliness among older adults. Participation in walking enables individuals to come into contact with other people, thus social isolation may mediate the relationship between walking and loneliness. The study uses participants from the Leave Behind Questionnaire of the 2016 data wave of the Health and Retirement Study with a sample size of 6,157. The dependent variable, loneliness, is measured using the 11-item UCLA Loneliness Scale and the independent variable, walking, is measured as participants who walk 20 minutes or more per day. The mediator, social isolation, is measured using a standardized 9-item score, including closeness and frequency of contact with children, friends, and other family members, and participation in group activities. We analyzed the effect of walking on loneliness and the role of social isolation as a mediator of that relationship using structural equation modeling. Our results suggest that walking is significantly associated with lower levels of both social isolation (B=-.10) and loneliness (B=-.05). As well, there is a positive association between social isolation and loneliness, as social isolation increases, so does loneliness (B=0.31). Moreover, results from the mediation analysis using bootstrapping suggest that social isolation partially mediates the relationship between walking and loneliness (B=-.03). Our findings confirm the benefits of PA on wellbeing. This research provides evidence that suggests establishing walking programs may decrease the risk of loneliness. Future interventions concentrated on lowering social isolation through PA among older adults should consider the opportunity to reduce loneliness.

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