Exploring Imagery as a Technique for Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults

Exercise imagery can be beneficial for insufficiently active people as a means to promote physical activity (PA) engagement and positive psychological states. The present study explored imagery use in physically active and insufficiently active older adults. The revised applied model of deliberate imagery use (RAMDIU) was used as a framework to explain When, Where, Why, What, and How older adults image and explored whether the Who component of the model (older adults/PA status) interacts with these different components; 37 ( Mage = 64, SD = 5.2; 17 females) participants representing a range of PA levels took part in one of seven focus groups. Thematic analysis provided support for RAMDIU, with motivation, memory, and planning identified as the most common imagery functions, and scenery and reward images as the most commonly reported imagery content. Although some similarities exist, older adults tend to use imagery for unique functions compared with younger counterparts (e.g., to improve memory). Understanding the use of imagery in older adults will help to tailor PA interventions for promoting healthy aging in this population.

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Formative Examination of a Multi-Focus Educational Exergame Designed for Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 978-978

Author(s):

Laurie Ruggiero ◽

Elizabeth Orsega-Smith ◽

Roghayeh Barmaki

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Digital Health ◽

Sound Quality ◽

Hand Tracking ◽

Senior Center ◽

Aging Theory ◽

Survey Results

Abstract Exergames and digital health games have shown promising outcomes in older adults. Most games have had one focus (e.g., physical activity, cognitive functioning). We developed a demonstration version of a multi-focus educational exergame (i.e., healthy eating, physical activity, cognition) that builds on healthy aging theory. Community-engaged and mixed methods (e.g., surveys, focus groups) research approaches were used to examine preliminary game acceptability and usability. The game was demonstrated with 20 senior center members (95% female; 48% African American; 52% White; average age 64 years) and participants were able to play the game. The post-gameplay survey results support acceptability/usability of the game. For example, 87% of participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they felt comfortable playing; the game instructions were clear; the text was readable; and gameplay was enjoyable. The majority also “agreed”/“strongly agreed” that the audio was appealing/helpful in playing the game (86%); sound quality was appropriate (78%); hand tracking was precise (57%), feedback on correct/incorrect responses was motivating (73%); they felt excited to get the correct answers (80%); they would play the game again (87%); and they would recommend it to a friend/family member (80%). When asked how often they would play it, the responses were: 33% five or more times/week; 27% three-four times/week; 20% one-two times/week; and 20% never. Observations and focus groups further clarified acceptability and identified areas for improvement (e.g., game instructions). Preliminary results support acceptability of this multi-component educational exergame with older adults and suggest the potential for future tailoring of this game.

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Device-Measured Sedentary Patterns and Physical Activity Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1308 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 339-339

Author(s):

Mikael Anne Greenwood-Hickman ◽

Jing Zhou ◽

Julie Cooper ◽

David Arterburn ◽

Andrea Cook ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Physically Active ◽

Standing Time

Abstract Little is known about objective levels of sitting time (ST), patterns of ST, and physical activity (PA) among older adults before compared to during the COVID -19 pandemic. We used data from the Healthy Aging Resources to Thrive Trial to examine differences in activPAL-assessed ST, standing time, breaks from sitting, and steps in study enrollees prior to March 2020 (N = 97, % female = 60.8, % white = 81.4; Mean BMI = 35.2) compared to post-March 2020 (N = 47, % female = 70.2, % white = 72.3; Mean BMI = 36.1). During the pandemic, participants had higher sitting time (Mean = 11.5 vs. 10.7 hours/day), fewer breaks from sitting (Mean = 40 vs. 44 breaks/day), and fewer steps (Mean = 4441 vs. 5931 steps/day) than prior to the pandemic. Interventions may be needed to support older adults with obesity in recovering losses in time spent physically active.

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Associação entre uso de internet e manter-se ativo no lazer, estudo longitudinal EpiFloripa Idoso

Brazilian Journal of Kinanthropometry and Human Performance ◽

10.5007/1980-0037.2018v20n2p134 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 134-145

Author(s):

Rodrigo De Rosso Krug ◽

André Junqueira Xavier ◽

Eleonora D'Orsi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Internet Use ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Relative Risk Ratio ◽

Physically Active ◽

Active Leisure ◽

Leisure Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to verify the association between internet use and physically active leisure time during four years in older adults included in the “EpiFloripa Idoso” study, a population and longitudinal study with older adults (60+) residents in Florianópolis, Brazil, interviewed in 2009-10 (baseline) and 2013-14 (follow-up). The outcome was self-reported level of leisure physical activity, measured by the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, classified as remaining inactive; becoming inactive; becoming active; remaining active. Covariates were: gender; age (in years); per capita income in Reais; schooling (years of study); internet use longitudinally measured (remaining not using, stopping using, starting using, remaining using); and cognitive decline at baseline assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination. Relative risk ratio (RRR) adjusted by independent variables were estimated. Participants were 1,705 older adults at baseline and 1,197 at follow-up. The prevalence of remaining physically active during leisure time was 15.8% (95% CI 12.6 to 19.0) and was associated with being male (RRR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.50 to 3.05), less schooling (RRR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.99 to 0.99), starting using (RRR = 4.1, 95% CI 2.06 to 8.55) and remaining using the internet (RRR = 5.52, 95% CI 3.25 to 9.36). This study can contribute to public policies for active and healthy aging through stimulation of internet use, since this technological behavior can help increasing the level of leisure physical activity in this population.

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Irrelevant Gadgets or a Source of Worry

ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing ◽

10.1145/3473463 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 1-28

Author(s):

Dimitri Vargemidis ◽

Kathrin Gerling ◽

Vero Vanden Abeele ◽

Luc Geurts ◽

Katta Spiel

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Older Persons ◽

Late Life ◽

Activity Trackers ◽

Wearable Activity Trackers

Wearable activity trackers are routinely applied in physical activity (PA) interventions in late life, but there is little research that focuses on older adults' perspectives on the technology. We conducted a qualitative study with 24 older persons to explore their perspective on wearables and PA. First, we discussed their relationship with PA and wearable trackers during focus groups. Next, nine participants crafted prototypes for wearables during co-design sessions. Through Thematic Analysis, we identified two main themes: (1) PA is personal in terms of preferred activities and reasons for PA, and (2) wearables are an emotional technology, causing negative emotions when resembling medical trackers or pressurizing to perform. We followed upon these results through a survey with 41 participants, which further highlighted individual differences in the perception of wearables. We conclude with questions to guide the design of wearables and reflect on their role to support PA in late life.

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Exploring the Motivators and Barriers of Older Adults Participating in an Interactive Exergame Intervention

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1293 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 402-402

Author(s):

Breanna Crane ◽

Brittany Drazich ◽

Kyle Moored ◽

Michelle Carlson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Video Game ◽

Independent Living ◽

Interactive Video ◽

Retention Rates ◽

Ongoing Research ◽

Spatial Environment ◽

Interactive Video Game

Abstract Cognitive and physical activity are important to maintaining daily functioning in older adults. While bidirectional associations between cognitive and physical activity magnify with increasing age, elucidating shared benefits has been difficult as few interventions explicitly train on cognition and mobility simultaneously. We conducted focus groups among 14 older adults residing in an independent-living center who participated in an interactive video game study called Bandit the Dolphin, where participants simultaneously incorporated cognitive exercise and physical activity while navigating within a complex spatial environment to help Bandit jump, eat fish, and stun sharks. Using ‘sneaky exercise’ tactics, participants utilized upper extremities in conjunction with slight lower extremity movement to move Bandit within a 3-D oceanic environment. We conducted 3 semi-structured focus groups and analyzed the data using the “Sort and Sift, Think and Shift” method to assess general likes and dislikes as well as the primary motivators, barriers, and reasons for remaining in the study. Participants enjoyed the immersive nature, challenge, and “fun factor” of the game. Primary motivators for joining were generativity/helping others, self-improvement, from peer referrals, and because the study looked interesting. Key barriers reported in the study were exhaustion from standing, learning how to play in 3-D space, and frustration from lack of level advancement. Reasons for retention were due to the game being fun, a sense of duty, and fulfilling commitments. This information will guide ongoing research efforts to design interactive video game interventions that are enjoyable for older adults and maintain high retention rates.

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Development of a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for adults with osteoarthritis-related pain and sleep disturbance: a focus group study with potential users

British Journal of Pain ◽

10.1177/20494637211026049 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 204946372110260

Author(s):

Daniel Whibley ◽

Kevin Stelfox ◽

Alasdair L Henry ◽

Nicole KY Tang ◽

Anna L Kratz

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pain Management ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Intervention Component ◽

Beneficial Impact ◽

Improvement Intervention

Objective: Suboptimal sleep and physical activity are common among people living with osteoarthritis (OA) and simultaneous improvements in both may have a beneficial impact on pain. This study aimed to gather perspectives of people living with OA on important aspects to incorporate in a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for OA pain management. Design: Qualitative study using two rounds of two focus groups. Setting and participants: Focus groups were conducted with adults living with OA-related chronic pain and sleep disturbances. Eighteen people attended focus groups in January 2020 and, of these, 16 attended subsequent focus groups in February 2020. Methods: Discussion at the first round of focus groups informed generation of prototype intervention materials that were shared, discussed and refined at the second round of focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes from the data. Results: Three themes, each with three sub-themes, were identified: facilitators of engagement with the intervention (sub-themes: motivational language, accountability and education); barriers to engagement (sub-themes: suboptimal interaction with healthcare practitioners, recording behaviour as burdensome/disruptive and uncertainty about technique) and characteristics of a physical activity intervention component (sub-themes: tailored, sustainable and supported). Conclusion: We have identified important aspects to incorporate into the design and delivery of a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for OA pain management. Insights will be incorporated into intervention materials and protocols, with feasibility and acceptability assessed in a future study.

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Participatory development of the food literacy intervention “GUSTO” for older adults in Germany

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.442 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

F Zastrow ◽

K Neher ◽

H Hassel

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Focus Group ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Everyday Life ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Participatory Approach ◽

Target Group ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Food Literacy

Abstract Background Healthy aging is one of the major challenges currently faced by an aging population. Food literacy (FL) refers to the ability to apply knowledge and practical skills regarding healthy and sustainable nutrition into everyday life. The project “GUSTO” is sponsored by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care and aims to contribute to enjoyable aging by developing the nutritional skills of people aged 65 and over. This community-based program comprises independent working groups of older adults guided by peer moderators. The FL intervention is developed in cooperation with the target group. Methods The nutritional situation of older adults was first established through a literature research. The results of this research were compared to the “self-perceived food literacy scale” by Poelman et al. (2018) and the “nutritional framework for literacy courses” by Johannsen et al. (2019). The resulting data provided a basis for focus group discussions carried out in six municipalities, supported by local practice partners. In six guided focus group discussions, a number of recurring themes were identified and summarized. Results The focus groups consisted of a total of 44 people between 62 and 88 years of age (average age: 73.1 ± 6.1 years). 22.7 % were men. The group discussions revealed resources used and barriers encountered in terms of FL and interests of older adults. It was evident that, due to the high density of information available, the participants found it difficult to identify reliable information and to implement it in their everyday life. At the request of the focus groups, topics such as the best before date and the use of food waste were added to the intervention. Conclusions Older adults find it challenging to identify reliable nutritional information and implement it in their everyday life. With the help of the participatory approach outlined in this study, target group-related issues can be identified and taken into account in the intervention. Key messages Older adults can be involved in the development of an FL intervention. A participatory approach allows target group-related issues and specific needs to be taken into account in the intervention.

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Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18083971 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 3971

Author(s):

Jolanthe de Koning ◽

Suzanne H. Richards ◽

Grace E. R. Wood ◽

Afroditi Stathi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Physical Environment ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Social Contact ◽

Physical Activity Behaviour ◽

Rural Setting ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Physically Active

Objective: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality and physical inactivity in older age. This study explored the socioecological context in which both physically active and inactive older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation in a UK rural setting. Design: A mixed-methods design employed semi structured interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Interviews explored the personal, social and environmental factors influencing engagement with physical activities, guided by an adapted-socioecological model of physical activity behaviour. Findings: Twenty-four older adults (MeanAge = 73 (5.8 SD); 12 women) were interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed and seven profiles of physical activity, social isolation and loneliness were identified. The high-MVPA group had established PA habits, reported several sources of social contact and evaluated their physical environment as activity friendly. The low MVPA group had diverse experiences of past engagement in social activities. Similar to the high MVPA, they reported a range of sources of social contact but they did not perceive the physical environment as activity friendly. Conclusions: Loneliness and/or social isolation was reported by both physically active and inactive older adults. There is wide diversity and complexity in types and intensity of PA, loneliness and social isolation profiles and personal, social and environmental contexts.

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Relationship Between Mental Health, Resilience, and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2020-0264 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Maria Priscila Wermelinger Ávila ◽

Jimilly Caputo Corrêa ◽

Alessandra Lamas Granero Lucchetti ◽

Giancarlo Lucchetti

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Regression Models ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Physically Active ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Self Sufficiency ◽

The Relationship

The aim of this study was to longitudinally investigate the association between resilience and mental health in older adults and to determine the influence of physical activity on this relationship. A total of 291 older adults were included in a 2-year follow-up study. Adjusted linear regression models evaluated the association between resilience at baseline and mental health after 2 years in sufficiently and insufficiently physically active older adults. A negative correlation was found between resilience at baseline and depression, anxiety, and stress after 2 years for the overall sample. This association changed after stratifying the group. Sufficiently physically active individuals made greater use of the resilience components “Self-Sufficiency” and “Perseverance,” whereas insufficiently physically active individuals made greater use of “Meaning of Life” and “Existential Singularity.” Physical activity can influence the relationship between resilience and mental health. These results can help guide the devising of more effective interventions for this age group.

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Regular Practice of Moderate Physical Activity by Older Adults Ameliorates Their Anti-Inflammatory Status

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10111780 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 1780 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Miguel Ferrer ◽

Xavier Capó ◽

Miquel Martorell ◽

Carla Busquets-Cortés ◽

Cristina Bouzas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Body Composition ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

The Body ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Metabolic Equivalents ◽

Inflammatory Status ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Regular Practice

A chronic inflammatory state is a major characteristic of the aging process, and physical activity is proposed as a key component for healthy aging. Our aim was to evaluate the body composition, hypertension, lipid profile, and inflammatory status of older adults, and these factors’ association with physical activity. A total of 116 elderly volunteers were categorized into terciles of quantitative metabolic equivalents of task (MET). Subjects in the first and third terciles were defined as sedentary and active subjects, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, hemograms, and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma or peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs). The active groups exercised more than their sedentary counterparts. The practice of physical activity was accompanied by lower weight, fat mass, body mass index, and diastolic blood pressure when compared to a more sedentary life-style. Physical activity also lowered the haematocrit and total leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts. The practice of exercise induced a decrease in the IL-6 circulating levels and the TLR2 protein levels in PBMCs, while the expression of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was activated in active subjects. The regular practice of physical activity exerts beneficial effects on body composition and the anti-inflammatory status of old people.

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