Abstract
ObjectiveSedentary behavior (SB) is defined as a mean of >6 hours of daytime sitting or lying down. SB has been shown to increase with older age and is a risk factor for disease. During the transition from working life to retirement, changes in daily life activities occur, risking increased SB. The aim of the present study was to gain a deeper understanding of SB in relation to the transition from working life to retirement as experienced by persons in retirement.MethodsThe study was grounded in a phenomenological life-world perspective. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants aged 64 to 75 years. Data were analyzed using the empirical phenomenological psychological method.ResultsThe participants described that voluntary sedentary time was positively related to general health and well-being, whereas involuntary sedentary time was negatively related to health. Increased sedentary time was described as natural when aging. Retirement was expressed as a time for rest after hard work and the ability to choose a slower pace in life. Internal and external demands and daily routines interrupted SB, whereas loneliness was perceived to increase SB. Participants strived to find a balance between physical activity and sedentary time. The variations in the participants’ descriptions formed 3 typologies: in light of meaningful SB, in the shadow of involuntary SB, and a dual process—postponing SB with physical activity.ConclusionIncreased SB was perceived as natural when aging but something that may be postponed by conscious choices. SB was perceived as associated with health, rest, and recovery but also with the risk of deteriorating health.ImpactThis knowledge of the experienced meaning of SB could guide the design of health promotion interventions and may be helpful in targeting those in need of support and individualizing interventions to decrease SB in retirement.Lay SummaryThis study reveals how persons in retirement describe sedentary behavior as something healthy but also as unhealthy and that sedentary behavior is natural in aging and can be postponed by physical activity.
Highlights
The population of older adults is increasing worldwide.[1]
This study reveals how persons in retirement describe sedentary behavior as something healthy and as unhealthy and that sedentary behavior is natural in aging and can be postponed by physical activity
Each interview text was summarized into a synopsis; the 14 synopses were based on Meaning units (MUs) that had gone through eidetic induction into a new “whole” to describe phenomenon as a lived experience and what phenomenon is
Summary
The population of older adults is increasing worldwide.[1]. The physiological changes the aging body undergoes contribute to an increased risk for many diseases and a decline in general physical capacity, leading to the aging body being more vulnerable to health problems.[1]. Sedentary behavior (SB) is defined as a mean of >6 hours of sitting or lying down daily, excluding during the nighttime. SB is defined as energy expenditure 4 h/d and had a low physical activity level had an increased risk of dying earlier.[9]
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