Experiences of Habitual Physical Activity in Maintaining Roles and Functioning among Older Adults: A Qualitative Study

Physically active older adults have reduced risk of functional restrictions and role limitations. Several aspects may interrelate and influence habitual physical activity (PA). However, older adults’ own perspectives towards their PA need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of habitual physical activity in maintaining roles and functioning among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews based on a narrative approach. Seventeen participants were recruited (aged 64–84 years). Data were analyzed using a narrative interpretative method.Findings. Three central narratives were identified,“keep moving, stay healthy,”“social connectedness, a motive to stay active,”and “adapting strategies to age-related changes.” Conclusion. Habitual physical activity was perceived as an important factor to maintain functioning and to preserve active roles in older adults. Walking was the most prominent pattern of physical activity and it was viewed as a vital tool to maintain functioning among the older adults. Social connectedness was considered as a contributing factor to the status of staying active. To adapt the process of age-related changes in a context to stay active, the participants have used different adapting strategies, including protective strategy, awareness of own capabilities, and modifying or adopting new roles.

Download Full-text

Exercise Impacts Age-Related Changes in Cognitive Function and Neural Complexity

Kinesiology Review ◽

10.1123/kr.2015-0050 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 30-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer J. Heisz ◽

Ana Kovacevic

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Physically Active ◽

Age Related ◽

The Neural Network ◽

Future Work ◽

The Brain ◽

Age Related Changes

Age-related changes in the brain can compromise cognitive function. However, in some cases, the brain is able to functionally reorganize to compensate for some of this loss. The present paper reviews the benefits of exercise on executive functions in older adults and discusses a potential mechanism through which exercise may change the way the brain processes information for better cognitive outcomes. Specifically, older adults who are more physically active demonstrate a shift toward local neural processing that is associated with better executive functions. We discuss the use of neural complexity as a sensitive measure of the neural network plasticity that is enhanced through exercise. We conclude by highlighting the future work needed to improve exercise prescriptions that help older adults maintain their cognitive and physical functions for longer into their lifespan.

Download Full-text

Association of physical activity with age-related changes in muscle echo intensity in older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00317.2018 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 125 (5) ◽

pp. 1468-1474 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Yoshihiro Fukumoto ◽

Yosuke Yamada ◽

Tome Ikezoe ◽

Yuya Watanabe ◽

Masashi Taniguchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Muscle Thickness ◽

Quadriceps Femoris ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Echo Intensity ◽

Longitudinal Changes ◽

Age Related ◽

Age Related Changes

Ultrasonic echo intensity (EI), an easy-to-use measure of intramuscular fat and fibrous tissues, is known to increase with aging. However, age-related changes in EI have not been examined in a longitudinal design. The objective of this study was to investigate 4-yr longitudinal changes in the EI of the quadriceps femoris in older adults, based on difference in physical activity (PA). This study included 131 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 72.9 ± 5.2 yr. Subcutaneous fat thickness (FT), muscle thickness (MT), and EI of the quadriceps femoris were measured by ultrasound. Isometric knee extensor strength was also measured. PA was assessed using a questionnaire at baseline, and participants were classified into the high or low PA groups. In 4 yr, a significant decrease in FT, MT, and strength was observed in both groups ( P < 0.05), whereas a significant decrease in EI was observed only in the high PA group ( P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the difference in PA was a significant predictor of 4-yr changes in MT (β = 0.189, P = 0.031) and EI (β = −3.145, P = 0.045) but not in the body mass index, FT, or strength adjusted for potential confounders. The present findings suggest that greater PA has a positive effect on longitudinal changes in the MT and EI of the quadriceps femoris in older adults. In addition, greater PA may contribute to a future decrease in EI, and an increase in EI may not occur in 4 yr, even in older adults with lesser PA. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our results suggest that greater physical activity (PA) may mitigate future changes in muscle thickness and echo intensity (EI). A decrease in EI over 4 yr was observed in older adults with greater PA, and an increase in EI was not observed, even in older adults with smaller PA. Several cross-sectional studies demonstrated an increase in EI with aging. Additionally, the results of our longitudinal study suggest that an age-related increase in EI may be moderated after the old-age period.

Download Full-text

Lifestyle Exercise Attenuates Immunosenescence; Flow Cytometry Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-47396/v3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Tylutka ◽

Barbara Morawin ◽

Artur Gramacki ◽

Agnieszka Zembron-Lacny

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Flow Cytometry ◽

Immune System ◽

T Lymphocytes ◽

The Elderly ◽

Flow Cytometry Analysis ◽

Physically Active ◽

Age Related ◽

Inactive Group

Abstract Background: Interaction of physical activity and overall immune profile is very complex and depends on the intensity, duration and frequency of undertaken physical activity, the exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the age-related changes in the immune system. Daily physical activity, which particularly influences immunity, declines dramatically with age. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explain whether physical activity sustained throughout life can attenuate or reverse immunosenescence. Methods: Ninety-nine older adults (60-90 years) were recruited for the study. According to the 6-min walk test (6WMT), the Åstrand-Ryhming bike test (VO2max) and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, the individuals were classified as physically active (n=34) and inactive (n=20) groups. The analysis of T lymphocytes between active vs. inactive participants was performed using eight-parameter flow cytometry.Results: Analysis of the baseline peripheral naïve and memory T lymphocytes showed a significant relationship of lifestyle exercise with CD4/CD8 ratio. Above 50% of physically active participants demonstrated the CD4/CD8 ratio ≥1 or ≤2.5 contrary to the inactive group who showed the ratio <1. The elderly with the result of 6WMT >1.3 m/s and VO2max >35 mL/kg/min had a significantly higher CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocyte percentage and also a higher ratio of CD4+CD45RA+/CD4+CD45RO+.Interestingly, in active older adults with IgG CMV+ (n=30) the count of CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocytes was higher than in the inactive group with IgG CMV+ (n=20). Conclusion: Based on the flow cytometry analysis, we concluded that lifestyle exercise could lead to rejuvenation of the immune system by increasing the percentage of naïve T lymphocytes or by reducing the tendency of the inverse CD4/CD8 ratio.

Download Full-text

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

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.11.3.370 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 370-387 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

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.

Download Full-text

Lifestyle exercise attenuates immunosenescence; flow cytometry analysis

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02128-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Tylutka ◽

Barbara Morawin ◽

Artur Gramacki ◽

Agnieszka Zembron-Lacny

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Flow Cytometry ◽

Immune System ◽

T Lymphocytes ◽

Flow Cytometry Analysis ◽

Physically Active ◽

Age Related ◽

Relationship Of ◽

Inactive Group

Abstract Background Interaction of physical activity and overall immune profile is very complex and depends on the intensity, duration and frequency of undertaken physical activity, the exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the age-related changes in the immune system. Daily physical activity, which particularly influences immunity, declines dramatically with age. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explain whether physical activity sustained throughout life can attenuate or reverse immunosenescence. Methods Ninety-nine older adults (60–90 years) were recruited for the study. According to the 6-min walk test (6WMT), the Åstrand-Ryhming bike test (VO2max) and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, the individuals were classified as physically active (n = 34) and inactive (n = 20) groups. The analysis of T lymphocytes between active vs. inactive participants was performed using eight-parameter flow cytometry. Results Analysis of the baseline peripheral naïve and memory T lymphocytes showed a significant relationship of lifestyle exercise with the CD4/CD8 ratio. Above 50% of physically active participants demonstrated the CD4/CD8 ratio ≥ 1 or ≤ 2.5 contrary to the inactive group who showed the ratio < 1. The older adults with the result of 6WMT > 1.3 m/s and VO2max > 35 mL/kg/min had a significantly higher CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocyte percentage and also a higher ratio of CD4+CD45RA+/CD4+CD45RO+. Interestingly, in active older adults with IgG CMV+ (n = 30) the count of CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocytes was higher than in the inactive group with IgG CMV+ (n = 20). Conclusion Based on the flow cytometry analysis, we concluded that lifestyle exercise could lead to rejuvenation of the immune system by increasing the percentage of naïve T lymphocytes or by reducing the tendency of the inverse CD4/CD8 ratio.

Download Full-text

Choose to Move: A Health Promoting Physical Activity Intervention Can Also Enhance Social Connectedness

10.21203/rs.3.rs-65551/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Thea Franke ◽

Joanie Sims-Gould ◽

Lindsay Nettlefold ◽

Callista Ottoni ◽

Heather A. McKay

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Meaningful Interaction ◽

Depth Interviews

Abstract Background: Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and social connectedness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) describe features of CTM that promote social connectedness.Methods: Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n=458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults at baseline (n=43), mid-intervention (n=38) and post-intervention (n=19).Results: PA increased from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased from 3-6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Features of CTM that influence social connectedness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability.Conclusion: PA interventions that focus on social connectedness, through group-based activities can improve the health of older adults by addressing both loneliness and PA. Building social connectedness within a PA intervention for older adults may support long term changes in PA behaviours.

Download Full-text

Acute, exercise-induced alterations in cytokines and chemokines in the blood distinguish physically active and sedentary aging

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glaa310 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lauren G MacNeil ◽

Mark A Tarnopolsky ◽

Justin D Crane

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Peripheral Blood ◽

Acute Exercise ◽

The Elderly ◽

Striking Difference ◽

Physically Active ◽

Post Exercise ◽

Cytokines And Chemokines ◽

Age Related

Abstract Aging results in a chronic, pro-inflammatory state which can promote and exacerbate age-associated diseases. In contrast, physical activity in older adults improves whole body health, protects against disease, and reduces inflammation, but the elderly are less active making it difficult to disentangle the effects of aging from a sedentary lifestyle. To interrogate this interaction, we analyzed peripheral blood collected at rest and post-exercise from 68 healthy younger and older donors that were either physically active aerobic exercisers or chronically sedentary. Subjects were profiled for 44 low-abundance cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in peripheral blood. At rest, we found that regular physical activity had no impact on the age-related elevation in circulating IL-18, eotaxin, GRO, IL-8, IP-10, PDGF-AA or RANTES. Similarly, there was no impact of physical activity on the age-related reduction in VEGF, EGF or IL-12 (p70). However, older exercisers had lower resting plasma fractalkine, IL-3, IL-6 and TNF-α compared to sedentary older adults. In contrast to our resting characterization, blood responses following acute exercise produced more striking difference between groups. Physically active younger and older subjects increased over 50% of the analyzed factors in their blood which resulted in both unique and overlapping exercise signatures. However, sedentary individuals, particularly the elderly, had few detectable changes in response to exercise. Overall, we show that long term physical activity has a limited effect on age-associated changes in basal cytokines and chemokines in the healthy elderly, yet physically active individuals exhibit a broader induction of factors post-exercise irrespective of age.

Download Full-text

“The Social Side Is as Important as the Physical Side”: Older Men’s Experiences of Physical Activity

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988318802691 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 2173-2182 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Joanie Sims-Gould ◽

Rei Ahn ◽

Neville Li ◽

Callista Anne Ottoni ◽

Dawn C. Mackey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Physically Active ◽

Socially Constructed ◽

The Social ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Social Side ◽

Relational Behaviors ◽

Depth Interviews ◽

Insight Into

North American “hegemonic masculinity” values strength, autonomy, independence, and resilience among its ideals. As men age, their capacity is increasingly challenged and demands that they adapt to new physical and social realities. Although some reports on effective health-promoting programs for men are emerging, there is a need to better understand older men’s experiences with their mobility and physical activity. This is a photovoice study with men ( N = 14) who were enrolled in a choice-based activity program for low active men. Based on in-depth interviews and analysis of over 800 photographs, three key themes emerged: the importance of social connectedness, supportive environments, and positive attitude toward the future. Findings are presented via a theoretical view of masculinities as socially constructed through relational behaviors and norms. Analyses provide insight into older men’s motivation to be physically active and highlight the need for programs and policies customized to promote physical activity of older men.

Download Full-text

Lifestyle Exercise Attenuates Immunosenescence; Flow Cytometry Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-47396/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Tylutka ◽

Barbara Morawin ◽

Artur Gramacki ◽

Agnieszka Zembron-Lacny

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

T Cells ◽

Immune System ◽

T Lymphocytes ◽

Flow Analysis ◽

The Elderly ◽

Physically Active ◽

Age Related ◽

Inactive Group

Abstract Background: Interaction of physical activity and the immune response is very complex and depends on the intensity, duration and frequency of undertaken physical activity, the exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the age-related changes in the immune system. The daily physical activity, which particularly influences immunity, declines dramatically with age. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explain whether physical activity sustained throughout life can attenuate or reverse immunosenescenceMethods: Ninety-nine older adults (60-90 years) from the University of the Third Age were recruited for the study. According to the 6-min walk test (6WMT), the Åstrand-Ryhming bike test (VO2max) and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, the individuals were classified as physically active (n=34) and inactive (n=20) groups. The analysis of T lymphocytes between active vs. inactive was performed using eight-parameter CyFlow. Results: Analysis of the baseline peripheral naïve and memory T cells showed a significant relationship of lifestyle exercise with immunity risk profile (IRP) expressed by the CD4/CD8 ratio. Above 50% of physically active subjects demonstrated IRP ≥1 or ≤2.5 contrary to the inactive group who had IRP <1. The elderly with the result of 6WMT >1.3 m/s and VO2max >35 mL/kg/min had a significantly higher of CD4+ naïve T lymphocyte count and also a higher ratio of CD4+naïve/CD4+ memory. Interestingly, in active older adults with IgG CMV+ (n=30) the percentage of CD4+naïve T lymphocytes was higher than in the inactive group with IgG CMV+ (n=20).Conclusion: Based on the cytometry flow analysis, we concluded that lifestyle exercise could lead to rejuvenation of the immune system by increasing the naïve T cells count or by reducing the tendency of the inverse CD4/CD8 ratio.

Download Full-text

Age-related changes in oxidative capacity differ between locomotory muscles and are associated with physical activity behavior

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/h11-135 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 88-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

Ryan G. Larsen ◽

Damien M. Callahan ◽

Stephen A. Foulis ◽

Jane A. Kent-Braun

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Oxidative Capacity ◽

Resonance Spectroscopy ◽

Mobility Impairment ◽

Age Related ◽

Age Related Changes

There is discrepancy in the literature regarding the degree to which old age affects muscle bioenergetics. These discrepancies are likely influenced by several factors, including variations in physical activity (PA) and differences in the muscle group investigated. To test the hypothesis that age may affect muscles differently, we quantified oxidative capacity of tibialis anterior (TA) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles in healthy, relatively sedentary younger (8 YW, 8 YM; 21–35 years) and older (8 OW, 8 OM; 65–80 years) adults. To investigate the effect of physical activity on muscle oxidative capacity in older adults, we compared older sedentary women to older women with mild-to-moderate mobility impairment and lower physical activity (OIW, n = 7), and older sedentary men with older active male runners (OAM, n = 6). Oxidative capacity was measured in vivo as the rate constant, kPCr, of postcontraction phosphocreatine recovery, obtained by31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy following maximal isometric contractions. While kPCrwas higher in TA of older than activity-matched younger adults (28%; p = 0.03), older adults had lower kPCrin VL (23%; p = 0.04). In OIW compared with OW, kPCrwas lower in VL (∼45%; p = 0.01), but not different in TA. In contrast, OAM had higher kPCrthan OM (p = 0.03) in both TA (41%) and VL (54%). In older adults, moderate-to-vigorous PA was positively associated with kPCrin VL (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) and TA (r = 0.41, p = 0.03). Collectively, these results indicate that age-related changes in oxidative capacity vary markedly between locomotory muscles, and that altered PA behavior may play a role in these changes.

Download Full-text