Abstract
This literature review focuses on aspects of sedentary behaviour (SB) in elderly. Since it has been identified as a distinct health risk, independent of physical activity, SB is a significant issue. This is particularly true for an ageing population as evidence shows that older adults (aged ≥65 years) are the most sedentary age group (on average 8.5–9.6 h daily sitting time). Accurate SB assessment is important for understanding this habitual behaviour and its impact. However, SB measurement is challenging, regardless of the method used. Although negative associations of SB in elderly have been reported for several health outcomes, evidence is inconclusive, apart from the evidence on the adverse SB effect on the all-cause mortality rate. Generally, strategies have been proposed to counteract SB, of which breaking prolonged sedentary bouts with at least light-intensity physical activity seems to be the most promising. Overall, further research in elderly is required to increase the evidence and to either support or refute the current findings. Moreover, further research will help to develop informed SB guidelines for an optimal strategy to counteract SB and its health effects in older adults.
Highlights
Contrary to general perceptions, sedentary behaviour (SB) does not necessarily reflect a lack of physical activity (PA) (Sedentary Behaviour Research Network 2012)
moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) estimates vary among adults aged 60 or older, depending on the cut point chosen, and most of their time is spent in SBs
The results suggest that sufficient MVPA did not ameliorate the negative associations between SB and cardio metabolic risk factors or functional limitations in the current sample
Summary
Sedentary behaviour (SB) does not necessarily reflect a lack of physical activity (PA) (Sedentary Behaviour Research Network 2012). Similar to characterising PA and exercise by the FITT formula, describing the Frequency, Intensity, Time (duration) and Type of activity, SB is suggested to be characterised by the SITT formula, which describes Sedentary behaviour frequency, number of Interruptions, Time (duration) and Type (Tremblay et al 2010) These variables provide valuable information on SB and should be assessed in any study dealing with SB. Subjective methods are practical, easy to administer, inexpensive, useful in large-scale studies and do not alter behaviour (CelisMorales et al 2012; Chastin et al 2014a; AguilarFarıas et al 2015) They will provide SB outcomes in terms of total sitting time, total screen time or TV time.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
