Abstract
IntroductionInsights into the diurnal patterns of sedentary behavior and the identification of subgroups that are at increased risk for engaging in high levels of sedentary behavior are needed to inform potential interventions for reducing older adults’ sedentary time. Therefore, we examined the diurnal patterns and sociodemographic correlates of older adults’ sedentary behavior(s).MethodsStratified cluster sampling was used to recruit 508 non-institutionalized Belgian older adults (≥ 65 years). Morning, afternoon, evening and total sedentary time was assessed objectively using accelerometers. Specific sedentary behaviors, total sitting time and sociodemographic attributes were assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.ResultsParticipants self-reported a median of 475 (Q1-Q3 = 383–599) minutes/day of total sitting time and they accumulated a mean of 580 ± 98 minutes/day of accelerometer-derived sedentary time. Sedentary time was lowest during the morning and highest during the evening. Older participants were as sedentary as younger participants during the evening, but they were more sedentary during daytime. Compared to married participants, widowers were more sedentary during daytime. Younger participants (< 75 years), men and the higher educated were more likely to engage in (high levels of) sitting while driving a car and using the computer. Those with tertiary education viewed 29% and 22% minutes/day less television compared to those with primary or secondary education, respectively. Older participants accumulated 35 sedentary minutes/day more than did younger participants and men accumulated 32 sedentary minutes/day more than did women.ConclusionThese findings highlight diurnal variations and potential opportunities to tailor approaches to reducing sedentary time for subgroups of the older adult population.
Highlights
Insights into the diurnal patterns of sedentary behavior and the identification of subgroups that are at increased risk for engaging in high levels of sedentary behavior are needed to inform potential interventions for reducing older adults’ sedentary time
In older adults–the most sedentary age group [8,9]–high levels of sedentary time have been linked to decreased functional fitness [10], increased risk of invasive breast cancer [11], increased metabolic risk, overweight and obesity [12,13,14,15], and higher mortality rates [16,17]
In order to develop a taxonomy of sedentary behaviors, Chastin et al [19] conducted a Delphi expert consensus process
Summary
Insights into the diurnal patterns of sedentary behavior and the identification of subgroups that are at increased risk for engaging in high levels of sedentary behavior are needed to inform potential interventions for reducing older adults’ sedentary time. We examined the diurnal patterns and sociodemographic correlates of older adults’ sedentary behavior(s). Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are within the paper. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
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