A Meta-Study of Qualitative Research on Social Support Related to Physical Activity Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
L. Jayne Beselt ◽  
Michelle C. Patterson ◽  
Meghan H. McDonough ◽  
Jennifer Hewson ◽  
Scott MacKay
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Supportive Behaviors ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Barriers And Challenges

Physical activity (PA) and social support have known benefits for the well-being and health of older adults, and social support is associated with PA behavior and positive affective experiences in PA contexts. The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research conducted on the experiences of social support related to PA among older adults (age ≥55 years). Following meta-study methodology, the authors searched nine databases and extracted information from 31 studies. Results were synthesized in terms of common themes and in light of theoretical and methodological perspectives used. The qualitative literature identifies supportive behaviors and social network outcomes which may be useful for informing how best to support older adults to be physically active. This literature rarely reflected the experiences of vulnerable populations, and future research should aim to further understand supportive behaviors which enable older adults to overcome barriers and challenges to being physically active.

scholarly journals Convoys of social support in Mexico

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R. Fuller-Iglesias ◽  
Toni Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Frequent Contact ◽  
Gender And Education ◽  
The Social

The Convoy Model suggests that at different stages of the lifespan the makeup of the social support network varies in step with developmental and contextual needs. Cultural norms may shape the makeup of social convoys as well as denote socio-demographic differences in social support. This study examines the social convoys of adults in Mexico. Specifically, it examines whether social network structure varies by age, gender, and education level, thus addressing the paucity of research on interpersonal relations in Mexico. A sample of 1,202 adults (18–99 years of age) was drawn from the Study of Social Relations and Well-being in Mexico. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated older adults had larger, more geographically proximate networks with a greater proportion of kin but less frequent contact. Women had larger, less geographically proximate networks with less frequent contact. Less educated individuals had smaller, more geographically proximate networks with more frequent contact and a greater proportion of kin. Age moderated gender and education effects indicated that younger women have more diverse networks and less educated older adults have weaker social ties. This study highlights socio-demographic variation in social convoys within the Mexican context, and suggests implications for fostering intergenerational relationships, policy, and interventions. Future research on Mexican convoys should further explore sources of support, and specifically address implications for well-being.

scholarly journals Correlations of Subjective and Social Well-Being With Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity in Older Adults—A Population-Based Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuyun Chen ◽  
Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga ◽  
Marguerita Saadeh ◽  
Ing-Mari Dohrn ◽  
Anna-Karin Welmer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
National Study

Abstract Background Subjective and social well-being, avoiding sedentary behavior (SB), and engaging in physical activity (PA) are important factors for health in older adults, but the extent to which they are related to each other remains unclear. We aimed to investigate these correlations, and whether they differ by age. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out in 595 people aged 66 years and older, from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. Subjective and social well-being (life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, social connections, social support, and social participation) were assessed through validated questionnaires and activPAL3 accelerometers provided information on SB and PA. Data were analyzed using multi-adjusted quantile regression models. Results Higher positive affect was significantly associated with less daily sitting time (β = −27.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −47.77, −6.39) and higher levels of light PA (LPA) (β = 40.67, 95% CI: 21.06, 60.28). Higher levels of social support and social participation were associated with less daily sitting time (β = −22.79, 95% CI: −39.97, −5.62; and β = −21.22, 95% CI: −39.99, −2.44) and more time in LPA (β = 23.86, 95% CI: 4.91, 42.81; and β = 25.37, 95% CI: 6.27, 44.47). Stratified analyses suggested that the associations of positive affect and social participation were strongest for individuals aged 80 years and older. Conclusions Our results suggest that older adults with higher levels of subjective and social well-being spend less time sitting and engage more in PA. This was especially evident among the oldest-old individuals. Future research should longitudinally investigate the directionality of these correlations.

scholarly journals Mental Health and Social Connectedness Across the Adult Lifespan in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Madeline A. Gregory ◽  
Nicole K. Legg ◽  
Zachary Senay ◽  
Jamie-Lee Barden ◽  
Peter Phiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Adult Age

Abstract The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound consequences on collective mental health and well-being, and yet, older adults appear better off than younger adults. The current study examined mental health impacts of the pandemic across adult age groups in a large sample (n = 5,320) of Canadians using multiple hierarchical regression analyses. Results suggest older adults are experiencing better mental health and more social connectedness relative to younger adults. Loneliness predicted negative mental health outcomes across all age groups, while the negative association between social support and mental health was only significant at average and high levels of loneliness in the 65–69 age group. Results point towards differential mental health impacts of the pandemic across adult age groups and indicate that loneliness and social support may be key intervention targets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should further examine mechanisms of resiliency among older Canadian adults during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Satisfaction with Life, Subjective Well-Being and Functional Skills in Active Older Adults Based on Their Level of Physical Activity Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Antonia Parra-Rizo ◽  
Gema Sanchis-Soler
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Functional Skills ◽  
Physically Active

Studies about the influence of physical activity on life satisfaction, functional ability and subjective well-being in physically active older adults without cognitive impairment are very few for the moment. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the life satisfaction, functional skills and subjective well-being of physically active older adults based on the level of activity practiced. The IPAQ (International Physical Activity), CUBRECAVI and LSIA (Life Satisfaction Index) scales were tested for a sample of 397 Spanish older adults between 61 and 93 years of age (M = 69.65; SD = 4.71). The results showed that those who performed high physical activity obtained higher scores in functional skills (p < 0.01) and in the activities of daily living (p < 0.01). In addition, subjective well-being (p < 0.01) and the functional autonomy of older adults (p < 0.01) were related to the level of physical activity that they practiced. In conclusion, it could be said that the older adults with a high level of physical activity have more functional skills and less difficulties performing the activities of daily living, and that they value their autonomy and health better.

Overcoming Barriers to Physical Activity During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: The Potential Impact of Social Support

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher P. Connolly ◽  
Deborah L. Feltz ◽  
James M. Pivarnik
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Barriers To Physical Activity

Pregnant and postpartum women have reported a number of barriers that prevent them from being sufficiently physically active. Overcoming these barriers is critical to ensure the health benefits of physical activity to both mother and fetus. The primary focus of this review centers on the potential impact social support may have in overcoming each of the primary barriers to physical activity experienced during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A reasonable body of research exists regarding the relationships between social support and these barriers; however, few investigations have specifically attempted to mitigate the effects of these barriers via social support interventions. Within this review, the enabling influence of social support as it pertains to pregnant and postpartum women's physical activity is discussed. Recommendations are suggested for the application of social support in future research investigations involving physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum.

Older Adults and Social Support in a Disaster Context: Did Relocation Matter for Access to Social Network Resources After the 2015 South Carolina Flood?

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Marian Botchway ◽  
Ana Teixeira ◽  
Spencer Moore
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Support Provision

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine social network characteristics and social support (emotional and instrumental support) and to determine how those factors differed between relocating older adults and nonrelocating older adults who were affected by the 2015 flood in South Carolina. Methods: Twenty-five community-dwelling elderly (CDE) were interviewed between December 2015 and May 2016 to learn about their experiences in the immediate aftermath of the flood. Ego-centric network data were collected with a focus on social network members and the types of flood-related support that these network members provided. Results: Ten of 25 CDE relocated because of the flood. All CDE were more likely to receive social support from female network members and family members than from other acquaintances. Relocating CDE received significantly less emotional support in comparison to nonrelocating CDE. The odds of receiving instrumental support were higher, but nonsignificant, among relocating CDE in comparison to nonrelocating CDE. Conclusions: The findings around the support provision are concerning particularly because of the additional psychological burden that relocation can place on flood-affected, older adults. Recommendations for public health preparedness strategies are provided in addition to future research directions for examining the well-being of flood-affected, older adults.

No “Old Fool”: 88 Years Old and Still Running

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 370-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily A. Roper ◽  
Douglas J. Molnar ◽  
Craig A. Wrisberg
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Adaptive Strategy ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Master Runner

In the sport, physical activity, and aging literature, much attention has been given to the importance of physical activity and sport involvement for the elderly. Most of the literature, however, has focused on the continuity of physical activity among older adults. The purpose of this study was to extend the understanding of older sport participants by conducting a case study of Max Springer, a male, White master runner (88 years old). We assumed that continuity in sport would represent a primary adaptive strategy for coping with the aging process. In addition to two in-depth interviews with Max, the authors interviewed various other “participants” regarding their perceptions of Max as an older runner. From deductive analysis of the interview material, the following themes emerged as figural to Max’s experience as an older runner: tradition of always being physically active, I’m not an athlete, being of senior age, meaning and philosophy of running, and significance of social support.

scholarly journals Feasibility of Virtual Tablet-Based Group Exercise Among Older Adults in Siberia: Findings From Two Pilot Trials (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana Nikitina ◽  
Daniele Didino ◽  
Marcos Baez ◽  
Fabio Casati
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Group Cohesion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Pilot Trials ◽  
Online Group

BACKGROUND Regular physical activity has a positive effect on physical health, well-being, and life satisfaction of older adults. However, engaging in regular physical activity can be challenging for the elderly population because of reduced mobility, low motivation, or lack of the proper infrastructures in their communities. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper was to study the feasibility of home-based online group training—under different group cohesion settings—and its effects on adherence and well-being among Russian older adults. We focused particularly on the technology usability and usage and on the adherence to the training (in light of premeasures of social support, enjoyment of physical activity, and leg muscle strength). As a secondary objective, we also explored the effects of the technology-supported intervention on subjective well-being and loneliness. METHODS Two pilot trials were carried out exploring two different group cohesion settings (weak cohesion and strong cohesion) in the period from 2015 to 2016 in Tomsk, Russian Federation. A total of 44 older adults (59-83 years) participated in the two pilots and followed a strength and balance training program (Otago) for 8 weeks with the help of a tablet-based virtual gym app. Participants in each pilot were assigned to an interaction condition, representing the online group exercising, and an individual condition, representing a home-based individual training. Both conditions featured persuasion strategies but differed in the ability to socialize and train together. RESULTS Both interaction and individual groups reported a high usability of the technology. Trainees showed a high level of technology acceptance and, particularly, a high score in intention to future use (4.2-5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale). Private texting (short service message [SMS]) was used more than public texting, and the strong cohesion condition resulted in more messages per user. Joint participations to training sessions (copresence) were higher for the social group with higher cohesion. The overall adherence to the training was 74% (SD 27%). Higher levels of social support at baseline were associated with higher adherence in the low cohesion condition (F1,18=5.23, P=.03), whereas in the high cohesion, such association was not found. Overall improvement in the satisfaction with life score was observed between pre and post measures (F1,31=5.85, P=.02), but no decrease in loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Online group exercising was proven feasible among healthy independently living older adults in Russia. The pilots suggest that a physical training performed in a virtual environment positively affect the life satisfaction of the trainees, but it does not provide support for a decrease in loneliness. High cohesion groups are preferable for group exercising, especially to mitigate effects of low social support on adherence. Further research in motivating group interactions in training settings is needed.

scholarly journals Get up and go! An Evaluation of Fitness and Memory

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 786-787
Author(s):  
Christina Nunez ◽  
Alexandria Nuccio ◽  
Sophia Perez ◽  
Charles Golden
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Word List ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Functional Fitness ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Clock Drawing ◽  
Sit To Stand

Abstract As we age, exercise is increasingly important for physical health and well-being. Recent studies have shown that exercise is associated with cognitive performance across multiple domains, specifically memory, a common complaint for older adults. Data included a ten-word list of delayed recall, a clock drawing activity, and a sit-to-stand task (i.e., a low impact sub-maximal test of functional fitness) derived from the National Health & Aging Trends Study Database (NHATS Round 9). A total of 4977 participants were included in the analysis which was predominantly white (69.7%), non-Hispanic (94.5%), female (59.2%), and between the ages of 70-84 (62.7%). A hierarchical linear regression revealed that performance on the sit-to-stand task positively predicted performance on delayed recall, F(4,3914)=245.141, p&lt;.001, and on the clock drawing activity, a common screening task for cognitive decline, F(4,2893)=115.470, p&lt;.001; accounting for 20.1% and 10.6% of the variability, respectively, over and above known demographic variables. These findings indicate that exercise may be one of many factors that is associated with memory and cognitive decline. Given the continuation of quarantine procedures, these findings come at a time of significant clinical relevance. Research shows that many individuals slowed down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and current findings suggest that not being physically active may be related to poorer physical and cognitive health, with specific concerns surrounding memory. Future research is essential in this area to tease out of other factor that may be contributing to this relationship and to develop new and innovated modalities for older adults to safely exercise.

Older adults’ physical activity-related social control and social support in the context of personal norms

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532095423
Author(s):  
Jason T Newsom ◽  
Emily C Denning ◽  
Benjamin A Shaw ◽  
Kristin J August ◽  
Scott J Strath
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Control ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
Personal Norms

This study investigated whether perceived physical activity norms moderated the effects of physical activity-related social interactions on intentions to engage in physical activity among community-residing older adults ( N = 217). Structural equation modeling tested whether two types of social support and social control interacted with personal norms in predicting intentions to be active. Emotional and informational support were associated with higher intentions, and negative social control was associated with lower intentions to engage in activity. Each of these effects was more prominent in the context of weak personal norms, suggesting future research and interventions should consider joint effects of support and norms.

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