Abstract
BackgroundDespite the detrimental effects of physical inactivity for older adults, especially aged residents of residential care settings may spend much time in inactive behavior. This may be partly due to their poorer physical condition; however, there may also be other, setting-related factors that influence the amount of inactivity. The aim of this review was to review setting-related factors (including the social and physical environment) that may contribute to the amount of older adults’ physical inactivity in a wide range of residential care settings (e.g., nursing homes, assisted care facilities).MethodsFive databases were systematically searched for eligible studies, using the key words ‘inactivity’, ‘care facilities’, and ‘older adults’, including their synonyms and MeSH terms. Additional studies were selected from references used in articles included from the search. Based on specific eligibility criteria, a total of 12 studies were included. Quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).ResultsBased on studies using different methodologies (e.g., interviews and observations), and of different quality (assessed quality range: 25-100%), we report several aspects related to the physical environment and caregivers. Factors of the physical environment that may be related to physical inactivity included, among others, the environment’s compatibility with the abilities of a resident, the presence of equipment, the accessibility, security, comfort, and aesthetics of the environment/corridors, and possibly the presence of some specific areas. Caregiver-related factors included staffing levels, the available time, and the amount and type of care being provided.ConclusionsInactivity levels in residential care settings may be reduced by improving several features of the physical environment and with the help of caregivers. Intervention studies could be performed in order to gain more insight into causal effects of improving setting-related factors on physical inactivity of aged residents.
Highlights
Despite the detrimental effects of physical inactivity for older adults, especially aged residents of residential care settings may spend much time in inactive behavior
The aim of the present review is to review all studies that describe setting-related, environmental factors that are related to the level of physical inactivity of older adults living in a residential care setting
We purposefully focused on the environmental factors, including the physical and social environment, as these factors offer indications on how the regular daily environment of a residential care setting may contribute to the level of inactivity, and, how the level of inactivity may be changed through changes in this environment
Summary
Despite the detrimental effects of physical inactivity for older adults, especially aged residents of residential care settings may spend much time in inactive behavior. In 2012, The Lancet published a series of studies on physical activity, performed by the Lancet Physical Activity Series Working Group One of these studies focused especially on physical inactivity and its negative influence on health, and even used the phrase ‘pandemic of physical inactivity’ [1]. Whereas physical activity has been shown to be associated with multiple health benefits [4], being physically inactive has several detrimental effects for older people It can negatively influence cognition [5], contribute to a decline in physical function [6], and is considered a risk factor for several chronic diseases [7]. It even has a similar detrimental effect with regard to life expectancy as smoking and obesity [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
