What are the effects of spending time outdoors in daylight on the physical health of older people and family carers: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

Review question/objective The overall objective of this research is to undertake a systematic review of the effects of spending time outdoors in daylight on the physical health of older adults and family carers. The specific questions to be addressed are: Which aspects of physical health are affected by spending time outdoors in daylight for older adults and family carers? To what extent is spending time outdoors in daylight effective for improving aspects of physical health in older adults and family carers? Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include all older adults aged 55 years or more, including those living in a community setting or a residential aged care facility. In addition, this review will consider family carers, who are defined as unpaid relatives or friends of an older person, who help that individual with their activities of daily living. No further inclusion criteria will be applied. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest The intervention or phenomenon of interest is spending time outdoors in daylight. ‘Outdoors in daylight’ is a broad term that encompasses all outdoor environments where participants are exposed, directly or indirectly, to daylight in a natural setting while participating in any type of outdoor activity. For our review, the definition of outdoor activity is simply ‘being outdoors’ in order to capture all types of engagement with outdoor environments. Studies will be excluded if they utilise artificial ‘bright’ light sources or modify the indoor environment to improve light exposure. An absence of activity or indoors activity with no exposure to daylight will be used as a comparator. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include objective and/ or subjective measures of the following outcomes: Older adults: • physical health: o bio-makers: - melatonin levels. - serotonin levels; and - vitamin D levels; o functional ability; o physical activity levels; and o sleep patterns; Family carer health: o physical health.