Physical Activity Tracking Wristbands for Use in Research With Older Adults: An Overview and Recommendations

Traditional physical activity tracking tools, such as self-report questionnaires, are inherently subjective and vulnerable to bias. Physical activity tracking technology, such as activity tracking wristbands, is becoming more reliable and readily available. As such, researchers are employing these objective measurement tools in both observational- and intervention-based studies. There remains a gap in the literature on how to properly select activity tracking wristbands for research, specifically for the older adult population. This paper outlines considerations for choosing the most appropriate wrist-worn wearable device for use in research with older adults. Device features, outcome measures, population, and methodological considerations are explored.

Download Full-text

Physical Activity, Diabetes, and Heart Conditions Among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1298 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 403-404

Author(s):

Yeonjung (Jane) Lee ◽

Tyran Terada

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Older Adult ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Native Hawaiian ◽

Adult Population ◽

Pacific Islander ◽

The United States ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Older Adult Population

Abstract The Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) older adult population remains understudied and are disproportionately affected by diabetes and heart conditions. Research has shown that participating in physical activity is a protective factor for many of the health conditions experienced by older adults. Yet, the link between physical activity, diabetes, and heart conditions among the NHOPI older adult population is limited. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of NHOPI older adults and to explore the association between physical activity levels and diabetes/heart conditions. Methods and findings Using data from the 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey (NHPI NHIS), which is considered to have a representative sample of NHOPI, the study explores the associations between physical activity and diabetes/heart conditions. A total of 1,045 older adults ages 50 years and older were included for analyses. Weighted multivariate analyses with multiple imputation techniques were used. The NHPI NHIS is the first federal survey focusing on the NHOPI population of the United States with rich information on health. Results and Implications Those with who were engaged in a sufficient physical activity had lower odds of having diabetes or heart conditions than their counterparts without physical activity while controlling for other sociodemographic characteristics. Findings highlight the importance of physical activity promotion intervention in preventing cardiovascular disease. Research and practice addressing health disparities and cardiovascular conditions should leverage efforts to provide culturally relevant physical activity types and resources to NHOPI older adults.

Download Full-text

The Revolution in Aging: Implications for Curriculum Development and Professional Preparation in Physical Education

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2.3.261 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 261-272

Author(s):

C. Jessie Jones ◽

Roberta E. Rikli

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Education ◽

Curriculum Development ◽

Adult Population ◽

Professional Preparation ◽

Course Content ◽

Age Related ◽

Self Study ◽

Older Adult Population

Despite dramatic increases in the older adult population, curriculum development in the area of physical activity and aging has been minimal or nonexistent in most physical education departments in higher education. As a consequence, many practitioners leading programs for older adults have had to rely primarily on self-study and on-the-job training for the knowledge and skills they need. The purpose of this paper is to suggest minimum competencies for preparing specialists in the field of physical activity and aging and to recommend corresponding curriculum development. Suggested core offerings for a concentration in physical activity and aging are presented, including specific course content for three specialty courses: physical activity and aging, physical assessment and exercise programming for older adults, and therapeutic exercise for age related chronic conditions. In view of the fact that many departments are faced with declining budgets and program cutbacks, alternative strategies for curricular revision and for integrating gerontological content into the existing physical education curriculum are discussed.

Download Full-text

Is Research on Aging and Physical Activity Really Increasing? A Bibliometric Analysis

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.7.2.182 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 182-195 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Ronnie Lidor ◽

Uri Miller ◽

Arie Rotstein

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Bibliometric Analysis ◽

Older Adult ◽

Adult Population ◽

Is Research ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Number Of Publications ◽

Older Adult Population

In light of the dramatic increase in the older adult population, we analyzed publications on aging and physical activity during the last 3 decades, based on (a) the ratio of the number of publications on aging to the total number of publications and the ratios of (b) the total number of publications on physical activity and aging and (c) the number of such publications in 6 selected journals to the number of publications on physical activity in general. Our findings indicate that few changes have occurred during the last 3 decades with regard to the volume of publication on aging and physical activity. Two conclusions can be reached: (a) The interest of researchers in exercise and sport sciences does not reflect that of society at large concerning older adults, and (b) an in-depth analysis should be conducted to study the periodicals that are published not only in the area of exercise and sport sciences but also in other related areas such as medicine, psychology, and health.

Download Full-text

Physical Activity Prevalence and Correlates Among New Zealand Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2016-0393 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 75-83 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Hayley Guiney ◽

Michael Keall ◽

Liana Machado

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Promotion ◽

New Zealand ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Multivariate Analyses ◽

Adult Population ◽

Sociodemographic Correlates ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Older Adult Population

The aim of this study was to provide up-to-date information about physical activity (PA) levels in New Zealand older adults to inform the development and targeting of relevant health promotion initiatives. Nationally-representative survey (N = 1,468) data were analyzed to assess in people aged ≥ 60 years the prevalence of physical inactivity and meeting PA guidelines, differences between 2012 and 2014, and sociodemographic correlates. One-fifth (20.7%) of respondents were inactive; 46.2% met PA guidelines. Multivariate analyses revealed lower PA in 2014 versus 2012, and identified self-rated health and education as correlates of both PA measures. Age and socioeconomic deprivation were associated with physical inactivity only, while sex and employment were correlates of meeting PA guidelines. Low PA among older adults signals a need to promote PA engagement in that age group. This analysis aids effective intervention design by identifying specific segments of the older adult population that tailored health promotion initiatives should target.

Download Full-text

Frailty transitions and cognitive function among South Korean older adults

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90125-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fatima Nari ◽

Bich Na Jang ◽

Hin Moi Youn ◽

Wonjeong Jeong ◽

Sung-In Jang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Daily Living ◽

Mini Mental State Examination ◽

Adult Population ◽

Geriatric Syndrome ◽

South Korean ◽

Adl Disability ◽

Older Adult Population ◽

State Examination

AbstractFrailty is considered a multidimensional geriatric syndrome, manifested by the accumulation of age-associated deficits. The consequences of frailty transitions are still understudied. This study evaluated the influence of frailty transitions on cognitive function in the older adult population. We used data derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) (2008–2018) on older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Frailty was assessed using a validated Korean frailty measure known as the frailty instrument (FI), and cognitive function was measured using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). Transitions in frailty and their relationship with cognitive function were investigated using lagged generalized estimating equations (GEE), t-tests, and ANOVA. Respondents who experienced frailty transitions (those with ameliorating frailty), those who developed frailty, and whose frailty remained constant, were more likely to have a lower cognitive function than those who were consistently non-frail. Older age, activities of daily living (ADL) disability, and instrumental ADL disability were more negatively associated with declining cognitive function, especially in the “frail → frail” group. Changes in all individual components of the frailty instrument were significantly associated with impaired cognitive function. The results suggest an association between frailty transitions and cognitive impairment. Over a 2-year span, the remaining frail individuals had the highest rate of cognitive decline in men, while the change from non-frail to frail state in women was significantly associated with the lowest cognitive function values. We recommend early interventions and prevention strategies in older adults to help ameliorate or slow down both frailty and cognitive function decline.

Download Full-text

The Brief Odor Detection Test (B-ODT) for Very Early Diagnosis of Cognitive Decline: A Preliminary Study

Brain Impairment ◽

10.1017/brimp.2017.7 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 197-210

Author(s):

Dimitra Savvoulidou ◽

Efthymia Totikidou ◽

Chariklia Varvesiotou ◽

Magda Iakovidou ◽

Ourania Sfakianaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Adult Population ◽

Detection Threshold ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Odor Detection ◽

Olfactory Impairment ◽

Older Adult Population ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Olfactory impairment in older adults is associated with cognitive decline. This study describes the development of a Brief Odor Detection Test (B-ODT), and its pilot administration in community-dwelling older adults. The study aimed at examining whether the test could differentiate older adults with very mild cognitive impairment from their cognitively healthy counterparts. The sample consisted of 34 older adults (22 women), aged from 65 to 87 years. Participants were divided into two groups according to their general cognitive functioning. Odor detection was measured via vanillin solutions at the following concentrations: 150 mg/L, 30 mg/L, 15 mg/L, 3 mg/L, and .03 mg/L. The first condition of the test involved a scale administration of vanillin solutions. The second condition examined the change in air odour and it required vanillin solution of 30 mg/L and a metric ruler of 30 cm. The examiner had to place the solution at a specific distance point from each nostril. Odour identification sensitivity was secondarily measured. The results showed statistically significant differences in odour detection threshold between the two groups. In the unirhinal testing, left nostril differences of the two groups were definite. Hence, the B-ODT seems a promising instrument for very early cognitive impairment screening in older adult population.

Download Full-text

Effects of Reallocating Time Spent in Different Physical Activity Intensities on Sarcopenia Risk in Older Adults: An Isotemporal Substitution Analysis

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology11010111 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 111

Author(s):

Jort Veen ◽

Diego Montiel-Rojas ◽

Fawzi Kadi ◽

Andreas Nilsson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Protein Intake ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Self Report ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Age Related ◽

Muscle Health ◽

The Impact

The role of daily time spent sedentary and in different intensities of physical activity (PA) for the maintenance of muscle health currently remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the impact of reallocating time spent in different PA intensities on sarcopenia risk in older adults, while considering PA type (muscle strengthening activities, MSA) and protein intake. In a sample of 235 community-dwelling older adults (65–70 years), a sarcopenia risk score (SRS) was created based on muscle mass assessed by bioimpedance, together with handgrip strength and performance on the five times sit-to-stand (5-STS) test assessed by standardized procedures. Time spent in light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and being sedentary was assessed by accelerometry, and PA type (MSA) by self-report. Linear regression models based on isotemporal substitution were employed. Reallocating sedentary time to at least LPA was significantly (p < 0.05) related to a lower SRS, which remained evident after adjustment by PA type (MSA) and protein intake. Similarly, reallocating time in LPA by MVPA was related to a significantly (p < 0.05) lower SRS. Our results emphasize the importance of displacing sedentary behaviours for more active pursuits, where PA of even light intensities may alleviate age-related deteriorations of muscle health in older adults.

Download Full-text

COLAEVA: Visual Analytics and Data Mining Web-Based Tool for Virtual Coaching of Older Adult Populations

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21237991 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (23) ◽

pp. 7991

Author(s):

Jon Kerexeta Sarriegi ◽

Andoni Beristain Iraola ◽

Roberto Álvarez Sánchez ◽

Manuel Graña ◽

Kristin May Rebescher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Older Adult ◽

Visual Analytics ◽

Web Application ◽

Adult Population ◽

Research Area ◽

Web Based ◽

Virtual Coaching ◽

Evolution Analysis ◽

Older Adult Population

The global population is aging in an unprecedented manner and the challenges for improving the lives of older adults are currently both a strong priority in the political and healthcare arena. In this sense, preventive measures and telemedicine have the potential to play an important role in improving the number of healthy years older adults may experience and virtual coaching is a promising research area to support this process. This paper presents COLAEVA, an interactive web application for older adult population clustering and evolution analysis. Its objective is to support caregivers in the design, validation and refinement of coaching plans adapted to specific population groups. COLAEVA enables coaching caregivers to interactively group similar older adults based on preliminary assessment data, using AI features, and to evaluate the influence of coaching plans once the final assessment is carried out for a baseline comparison. To evaluate COLAEVA, a usability test was carried out with 9 test participants obtaining an average SUS score of 71.1. Moreover, COLAEVA is available online to use and explore.

Download Full-text

Communicating with the Older Adult Cancer Patient

Psycho-Oncology ◽

10.1093/med/9780190097653.003.0085 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 678-684

Author(s):

Patricia A. Parker ◽

Smita C. Banerjee ◽

Beatriz Korc-Grodzicki

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Older Adult ◽

Adult Population ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Multiple Morbidity ◽

Older Adult Population

The older adult population continues to increase. Among all known risk factors for developing cancer, the most important is growing old. Thus, caring for older adults with cancer is of increasing importance. This chapter describes important considerations involved in communicating with cancer patients including sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, multiple morbidity, polypharmacy, and psychological distress. It also describes how stereotyping and ageism affect communication with older adults with cancer. Finally, the chapter discusses ways to facilitate communication with older adult cancer patients and their families and provides an example of a training program that was created specifically to enhance communication between healthcare providers and older adult cancer patients and their families.

Download Full-text

Applying the Pikes Peak Model of Treatment Competency to the Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies with Older Adults

Specialty Competencies in Geropsychology ◽

10.1093/med:psych/9780195385670.003.0006 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 67-83

Author(s):

Forrest Scogin ◽

Andrew Presnell

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Adult Population ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Problem Solving Therapy ◽

Evidence Based Treatments ◽

Behavioral Therapies ◽

Cognitive Behavioral Therapies ◽

Older Adult Population ◽

Peak Model

Chapter 6 examines specifically the application of Beck’s cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and problem-solving therapy (PST), an adaptation of cognitive-behavioral techniques, with the older adult population. It also uses the Pikes Peak Model to identify the focal areas needed for competent delivery of these treatments with older adults. It also covers the Pikes Peak Model, which outlines six areas to be considered in the competent application of treatment: applying interventions with appropriate modifications, using evidence-based treatments, developing appropriate treatments when there is a lack of evidence available, proficiently employing common late-life intervention, using interventions to enhance the health of diverse elderly persons, and intervening across settings.

Download Full-text