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

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.

scholarly journals Older adults’ construal of sedentary behaviour: Implications for reducing sedentary behaviour in older adult populations

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532090987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J McGowan ◽  
Rachael Powell ◽  
David P French
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
North West ◽  
Health Related

Older adults are the most sedentary age group, with sedentary behaviour having negative health-related consequences. There is currently limited understanding of how older adults view sedentary behaviour. This study investigated older adults’ understanding of the concept of sedentary behaviour. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 community-dwelling older adults in urban North-West England, selected to be diverse in socio-economic background and activity levels. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Participants often construed sedentary behaviour as synonymous with a lack of physical activity, and many perceived reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to be the same thing. Participants perceived the term ‘sedentary’ to have negative connotations and were often judgemental of people who engaged in high levels of sedentary behaviour. Most participants considered reducing sedentary behaviour to be of value, though more active individuals were unconvinced that reducing sedentary behaviour has value beyond the benefits of being physically active. Interventions may wish to provide education to address the misconception that increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is necessary in order to reduce sedentary behaviour. Educating older adults on the independent health consequences of sedentary behaviour may also prove beneficial.

scholarly journals 513Ophthalmic disease and older adults’ sedentary and physically-active behaviors: Findings from the NEIGE study

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiho Amagasa ◽  
Shigeru Inoue ◽  
Hiroshi Murayama ◽  
Takeo Fujiwara ◽  
Hiroyuki Kikuchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Reciprocal Influences

Abstract Background Physical inactivity can be associated adversely with markers of eye health, but little is known about how ophthalmic disease (OD) may be related to sedentary behaviour (SB) and different intensities of physical activity in older adults. We compared device-assessed time spent in SB, light-intensity PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) between older adults with and without OD. Methods A randomly-recruited sample of 512 community-dwelling older adults (47% male; aged 65–84 years) in Japan wore a valid tri-axial accelerometer for seven consecutive days in 2017. Prevalence of OD was assessed by medical interview. Times spent in SB, LPA, and MVPA were compared between those with and without OD by compositional multivariate analysis of covariance, adjusting for potential confounders (gender, age, residential area, living arrangement, working, body mass index, self-rated health, and cognitive function). Results Overall, percent times spent in SB, LPA, and MVPA during waking hours were 51.0, 44.6, and 4.4, respectively; and, 167 (36.5%) had OD. Activity patterns differed significantly between those with and without OD: in those with OD, the proportion of time spent in MVPA relative to other behaviours was lower, and the proportion of time spent in SB relative to other behaviours was higher. Conclusions Older adults with OD were found to be less physically active than those without. Key messages While these cross-sectional findings need to be confirmed by evidence from prospective studies, the reciprocal influences of OD and inactivity in older adults should be addressed as scientific, clinical and public health considerations.

A Survey of Physical-Activity Levels and Functional Capacity in Older Adults in South Australia

2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Hamdorf ◽  
Gary Starr ◽  
Mark Williams
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Random Digit Dialing ◽  
Random Digit

Participation in physical activity declines with advancing age for a variety of reasons. The aim of this study was to assess the level of physical activity among older South Australians. Computer-aided telephone interviewing of 773 adults age 60 years and over was conducted using random-digit dialing. Rates of participation among adults age 60 years and over in walking and vigorous physical activity (68.1% and 11.7%, respectively) were significantly lower than for those age 18–59 years (77.6% and 38.9%, respectively). Walking was the most popular activity among those age 60 and over. The proportion reporting no physical activity rose from 7.0% in the 60- to 64-year age group to 25.7% in the 85+ group. The findings describe increases in physical inactivity coupled with declines in functional ability with advancing age and suggest that much work remains to fully understand how best to encourage older adults to remain physically active.

scholarly journals The Acceptability of Physical Activity to Older Adults Living in Lower Socioeconomic Status Areas: A Multi-Perspective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11784
Author(s):  
Angela Devereux-Fitzgerald ◽  
Rachael Powell ◽  
David P. French
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic

Older adults in lower socioeconomic status (SES) areas are the least active of all adult groups but are often absent from physical activity research. The present study aimed to elicit perspectives on acceptability of physical activity from older adults and physical activity providers in lower SES areas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 older adults and eight physical activity trainers/providers in lower SES areas. An inductive, multi-perspective Thematic Analysis was conducted. Eight themes were identified that covered one or both groups’ perceptions of what was important in ensuring acceptability of activity provision. Older adults perceived a lack of value that was reinforced by lack of resources and unequal provision. Acceptability was hindered by centralisation of facilities and lack of understanding of needs by facility management. Facilitating social interaction within physical activities appeared key, thereby meeting multiple needs with fewer resources. In conclusion, to increase acceptability of physical activity for older adults in low SES areas, providers should address the lack of perceived value felt by many older adults. Equitable provision of physical activities addressing multiple needs may allow older adults with limited resources to be physically active without sacrificing other needs. Facilitating creation of social bonds may foster maintenance of physical activities.

Associations of Mutually Exclusive Categories of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time With Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults: An Isotemporal Substitution Approach

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Miguel A. De la Cámara ◽  
Ana I. Pardos-Sevilla ◽  
Augusto Jiménez-Fuente ◽  
Thamara Hubler-Figueiró ◽  
Eleonora d’Orsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Second Wave

The aim of this study was to examine, theoretically, how reallocating time between the intensity of mutually exclusive categories of physical activity and sedentary behavior time is associated with metabolic syndrome. Four hundred and six older adults (61.6% women) from the second wave of the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study were included in the study (mean age 71.7 ± 5.9 years). Isotemporal substitution analysis showed a decrease of 35% (odds ratio: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [0.45, 0.96]) in the risk for metabolic syndrome when replacing 30 min/day of sedentary behavior with an equivalent amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Furthermore, it has been observed that older adults classified as low sedentary behavior and physically active were 57% less likely to have metabolic syndrome than participants classified as high sedentary and physically inactive (odds ratio: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [0.19, 0.97]). This study highlights the importance of behavioral categories that may emerge concerning the interrelationships of physical activity and health in older adults, having important implications for future health intervention programs.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Aging: Exploring Motivations of Masters Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 787-787
Author(s):  
Susan Brilliant ◽  
Maria Claver ◽  
Patti LaPlace ◽  
Cynthia Schlesinger
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Decline ◽  
Masters Athletes ◽  
Age Cohort ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
Working Out

Abstract Physical activity has many benefits for the optimal health of older adults (e.g., lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia and falls). However, less than one in four Americans meets guidelines for physical activity and evidence suggests inactivity increases with age. A growing number of unhealthy older adults will strain resources. Masters athletes are one segment of the population that some promote as exemplary because of their remarkable physical functioning. Swimming is a global, fast-growing sport in Masters athletics. This qualitative study explored the motivations and barriers of older adult (60+ years of age) members of a Masters swim club in Southern California. The researcher used purposive sampling to diversify the sample by selecting male and female participants (N=18) from multiple geographical areas. Guided by a primary research question: Why do Masters swimmers choose swim late in life, when most of their age cohort are becoming less physically active, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews to delve into the lived experiences of the participants, solicited peer feedback and employed Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Four main themes emerged: Masters swimming provided an enjoyable way to slow physical decline; participants felt camaraderie; working out with a group provided challenge and achievement that reinforced their identity as swimmers; and their practice greatly reduced stress. A formidable barrier was revealed when most of the participants expressed longing and regret that they could not swim due to COVID risk and safety guidelines. These findings can be used to design community programs to promote lifelong physical activity participation.

Compliance of the Physical Activity Guidelines Accumulated in Bouts ≥10 Min and Nonbouts and Its Association With Body Composition and Physical Function: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazilian Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Anna Gabriela Silva Vilela Ribeiro ◽  
Rozangela Verlengia ◽  
Maria Rita Marques de Oliveira ◽  
Matheus Valério Almeida Oliveira ◽  
Idico Luiz Pellegrinotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Appendicular Skeletal Muscle

This study aimed to investigate the association between compliance with the guidelines of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accumulated in bouts of ≥10 min or nonbouts with body composition and physical function in older adults. The authors evaluated 230 noninstitutionalized older adults. Body composition was estimated using bioimpedance, and physical function was assessed using four physical tests. Physical activities were monitored for 7 days using an accelerometer. Older adults who were physically active according to MVPA in bouts of ≥10 min were less likely to have low appendicular skeletal muscle mass (odds ratio [OR] = 0.12), excess body fat (OR = 0.30), and abdominal obesity (OR = 0.34) and more likely to have a higher physical function (OR = 5.78). No significant association was observed with MVPA nonbout. Our findings indicate that older adults who accumulate MVPA in bouts of  ≥10 min have better parameters for body composition and physical function.

NESTORE Ontology: a Multi-Domain Semantic Tool for the Characterization of Older Adults Status and Behaviour to Promote Healthy Ageing by IoT Systems (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Mastropietro ◽  
Filippo Palumbo ◽  
Silvia Orte ◽  
Michele Girolami ◽  
Francesco Furfari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Physiological Status ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Activity Behaviour

BACKGROUND The constant progression in number and share of the ageing population will likely have deep effects in most of the industrialized countries. The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm can play a key role in facilitating independent living of the ageing population thus trying to reduce the burden on the society. Considering that ageing is a multi-factorial physiological process, the development of novel IoT systems, tools and devices, specifically targeted to older people, must be based on a holistic framework built on robust scientific knowledge in different scientific domains. OBJECTIVE A novel semantic formalization was developed, based on a multidomain healthy ageing model, to support structuring and standardizing heterogeneous scientific knowledge about ageing. The main aim of the paper is to present the new NESTORE ontology, with the purpose thus extending the available ontologies provided by universAAL-IoT (uAAL-IoT). METHODS Well-assessed scientific knowledge, specifically selected to target older adults aged between 65 and 75, was formalized into a holistic model using a multi-domain approach including three main different dimensions related to well-being: (i) Physiological Status and Physical Activity Behaviour, (ii) Nutrition, and (iii) Cognitive and Mental Status and Social Behaviour. Based on this model, within the NESTORE H2020 project, a new ontology was developed in the uAAL-IoT framework, which provides modelling tools and a set of core ontologies. RESULTS The NESTORE ontologies cover all the needed concepts to represent 5 significant domains of ageing. In total, 12 sub-ontologies were modelled with more than 60 classes and sub-classes referenced among them by using more than 100 relations and around 20 enumerations. NESTORE increases the uAAL ontologies collection by 40% and expand the uAAL domain usage for Physiological Status and Physical Activity Behaviour (8 ontologies), Nutrition (3 ontologies) and Cognitive and Mental Status and Social Behaviour (4 ontologies). CONCLUSIONS NESTORE ontology provides innovation both in terms of semantic content and technological approach. The thoroughly use of this ontology can support the development of a decision support system, to promote healthy ageing, with the capacity to do dynamic multi-scale modelling of user-specific data based on the semantic annotations of users’ profile.

Investigating a Message Tailoring Strategy to Improve Efficacy of Activity Promotion Interventions: A Study Protocol (Preprint)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Sadat Rezai ◽  
Catherine Marie Burns
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Message Framing ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Regulatory Focus Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Focus Theory

BACKGROUND There have been challenges in designing effective behaviour-change interventions, including those that promote physical activity. One of the key reasons is that many of those systems do not account for individuals’ characteristics and their psychological differences, which affect their approach toward adopting target behaviour. For decades, tailoring has been used as a common technique to effectively communicate health-related information to persuade people to follow a healthier living. However, its use in the design of persuasive technologies has not been adequately investigated. OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to explore the effects of tailoring when it is grounded in Higgins’ regulatory focus theory. METHODS A combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies has been proposed to examine how individuals’ intention to become more physically active would be affected by receiving health messages that may or may not match their self-regulatory orientation. The research would also subjectively, as well as objectively, measures the changes in individuals’ physical activity level. RESULTS The anticipated completion date for the consequent studies is December 2016. CONCLUSIONS In this article, the importance of refining message-framing research questions and a stepwise approach to develop an efficient experimental design to examine a new tailoring strategy is discussed. A set of small studies is proposed that would inform the best approach to design the principal experiment. The findings of principal experiment will provide a deeper insight into the relationship between regulatory-focus theory, persuasive message construction, and individuals’ physical activity behaviour.

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