Activity In Older Adults Research Articles

Prevention of frailty in relation with social out-of-home activities in older adults: results from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe.

Out-of-home mobility and social participation have been identified as resources to postpone frailty. We aim to examine the mediating role and specific contribution of social out-of-home activities in frailty prevention. Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) waves six (w6), seven (w7), and eight (w8) were used. Frailty was measured with the SHARE version of the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) with frailty states fit, pre-fail and frail. First, a mediation model with 13,456 fit participants aged ≥ 50years in w6 was specified with social network size, loneliness (UCLA3-Item Loneliness Scale), and lack of motivation (EURO-D) as predictors and number of performed social out-of-home activities in w7 as mediator variable on EFS-scores in w8. Age, education, gender, cohabitation, widowhood, urban environment, and country served as covariates. Second, we investigated the association of increasing social out-of-home activities from w6 to w7 with change in EFS-score from w6 to w8 using a linear mixed model with 17,439 participants in all frailty states. Direct effects of loneliness (w6) and lack of motivation (w6) on EFS-scores (w8) were partially mediated by social out-of-home activities (loneliness ß = 0.005; 95% CI = 0.003-0.008) and (lack of motivation ß = 0.014; 95% CI = 0.009-0.019). The linear mixed model revealed a significant effect of increasing social out-of-home activities (w6-w7) on reduction of EFS-scores (w8) (ß = - 0.21; 95% CI = - 0.29-0.04; p < 0.001). Social out-of-home activities appear to play a crucial role in frailty prevention, which could be used for future interventions.

Park proximity and all-day and time-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults.

Proximity to parks has been suggested as a factor influencing physical activity in older adults. However, it remains unclear the optimal distance between residences and parks for promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time and whether these associations vary by the time of day. We examined whether the proximity to neighbourhood parks at varying distances is associated with all-day and time-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults. Data were collected from 214 older adults receiving hospital services in Taipei, Taiwan. The number of parks within 400m, 800m, and 1,600m of participants' residences. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour, stratified by time of day (morning, afternoon, and evening), were measured using accelerometers. Adjusted linear regression models were used to estimate associations of park proximity with activity and sedentary outcomes. Parks located within 400m and 800m of participants' residences were more markedly associated with longer time in physical activity and less sedentary time compared to parks located 1,600m away. A greater number of parks within 400m and 800m was positively associated with walking steps and light-intensity physical activity while both distances were negatively associated with sedentary time. The associations between park proximity and behavioural outcomes were mainly attributable to that during the afternoon and evening. Our findings suggest that favourable access to parks within 800m of older adults' residences is associated with more physical activity and less sedentary time, particularly during the afternoon and evening. Future longitudinal studies are required to corroborate these associations.

Aging-associated differences between perioral and trunk muscle characteristics.

The physiological and functional changes from aging affect the systemic and swallowing muscles. While ultrasound is used to examine muscle characteristics, no previous studies have examined the relationship between age and perioral and trunk muscle characteristics, including stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age and the characteristics of perioral and trunk muscles, including quality, quantity, and stiffness, using ultrasound. A total of 215 participants were recruited for this cross-sectional study: 98 younger adults (20-64 years) and 117 older adults (≥ 65 years). Muscle characteristics were assessed along with data on age, sex, body mass index, and number of teeth. The correlation between age and muscle characteristics was examined. Multiple linear regression was performed with muscle characteristics as dependent variables and age, body mass index, and number of teeth as explanatory variables. We found that only trunk muscle stiffness was associated with age, with a stronger correlation in quality and quantity than perioral muscles. Masseter muscle quality and quantity showed a higher correlation with age than those of the geniohyoid muscle. In conclusion, characteristics of the trunk and perioral muscles exhibit differences in age-related changes, highlighting the importance of maintaining both trunk and perioral muscle activity in older adults to prevent functional decline.

Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Reality for Remote Group-Mediated Physical Activity in Older Adults: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Physical inactivity represents a major health concern for older adults. Most social, at-home physical activity (PA) interventions use videoconference, email, or telephone communication for program delivery. However, evidence suggests that these platforms may hinder the social connection experienced by users. Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR) suggest that it may be a rich platform for social, at-home interventions because it offers legitimate options for intervention delivery and PA. This pilot study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of VR compared to videoconference as a medium for remote group-mediated behavioral intervention for older adults. The information generated from this investigation will inform the use of VR as a medium for intervention delivery. Nine low-active older adults (mean age 66.8, SD 4.8 y) were randomized to a 4-week home-based, group-mediated PA intervention delivered via VR or videoconference. Feasibility (ie, the total number of sessions attended and the number of VR accesses outside of scheduled meetings) and acceptability (ie, the number of participants reporting high levels of nausea, program evaluations using Likert-style prompts with responses ranging from -5=very difficult or disconnected to 5=very easy or connected, and participant feedback on immersion and social connection) are illustrated via descriptive statistics and quotes from open-ended responses. None of the participants experienced severe VR-related sickness before randomization, with a low average sickness rating of 1.6 (SD 1.6) out of 27 points. Attendance rates for group meetings were 98% (59/60) and 96% (46/48) for the VR and videoconference groups, respectively. Outside of scheduled meeting times, participants reported a median of 5.5 (IQR 5.3-5.8, range 0-27) VR accesses throughout the entire intervention. Program evaluations suggested that participants felt personally connected to their peers (VR group: median 3.0, IQR 2.5-3.5; videoconference group: median 3.0, IQR 2.7-3.3), found that goals were easy to accomplish (VR group: median 3.0, IQR 2.8-3.3; videoconference group: median 3.0, IQR 2.6-3.4), and had ease in finding PA options (VR group: median 4.0, IQR 3.5-4.3; videoconference group: median 2.0, IQR 1.6-2.4) and engaging in meaningful dialogue with peers (VR group: median 4.0, IQR 4.0-4.0; videoconference group: median 3.5, IQR 3.3-3.8). Open-ended responses regarding VR use indicated increased immersion experiences and intrinsic motivation for PA. These findings suggest that VR may be a useful medium for social PA programming in older adults, given it was found to be feasible and acceptable in this sample. Importantly, all participants indicated low levels of VR-related sickness before randomization, and both groups demonstrated very high attendance at meetings with their groups and behavioral coaches, which is promising for using VR and videoconference in future interventions. Modifications for future iterations of similar interventions are provided. Further work using larger samples and longer follow-up durations is needed. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04756245; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04756245.

Assessment of isokinetic trunk muscle parameters, postural control and quality of life in sedentary and active older adults

ObjectiveThe study intended to evaluate the differences between active and sedentary postural control and isokinetic trunk strength. The secondary aim was to evaluate the participants' total physical activity (PA) score regarding the specific quality of life domains assessed. MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study involving 64 participants of both sexes aged ≥ 60 years (60 to 86 years) was conducted. Habitual PA was assessed using the Baecke Modified Questionnaire for older adults, and participants were classified as active or sedentary. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, postural control was evaluated using a bipedal force plate, and trunk muscle strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. The independent t-test, Spearman correlation, and Generalized Linear Model were employed, with a significance level of 5%. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in postural control between active and sedentary participants. However, significant differences were observed in the peak touch and mean power of trunk extensors and flexors at speeds of 60 and 180◦/s (p<0.005), except for the ratio between flexor and extensor muscle peak torque assessed at both speeds. Quality of life showed significant correlations with PA level regarding the domains of functional capacity, vitality, and health conditions. The logistic model revealed an association with the domains of functional capacity and pain in relation to PA. ConclusionOur results underscore the importance of regular PA practice for the older adult population, indicating the enhancement of health-related quality of life and the strength of trunk extensors and flexors.

Impact of retirement on physical activity in older adults: a longitudinal analysis from SHARE

Abstract Background With ageing populations experiencing longer post-retirement years, understanding the influence of major life transitions on health behaviours such as physical activity (PA) is crucial. This study assesses how retirement affects PA levels by analysing longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Methods This analysis utilised longitudinal data from 2004 to 2020, categorising PA according to WHO guidelines adapted to individual-level data from successive waves of SHARE. The study examined the relative risks (RR) of being physically active, using generalised estimating equation models to compare periods before and after retirement. Results The cohort consisted of 8,998 individuals aged 50 and older who were employed at baseline and retired during the study period. Initially, 83.6% of participants were categorised as physically active. A noticeable decline in PA was observed post-retirement, with RR decreasing from 1.08 (95%CI 1.07-1.10) more than 10 years before retirement to 0.90 (95%CI 0.88-0.93) more than 10 years after retirement, compared to the year of retirement. Previously inactive individuals often increased their PA levels, peaking 3 to 4 years post-retirement (RR increased from 0.79, 95%CI 0.70-0.88, to 1.49, 95%CI 1.36-1.63), suggesting a temporary boost in moderate-intensity PA during the so-called “honeymoon phase”. Conclusions Retirement can serve as a window of opportunity for enhancing leisure-time PA, particularly among those previously inactive. Sustained increases in PA are less common, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support continued engagement in PA among retirees. The variations in PA trends suggest that interventions should be tailored to individual characteristics such as age at retirement, previous job type, and educational background to maximise public health impact. This study underscores the challenges of ensuring long-term health benefits through PA. Key messages • Retirement significantly alters physical activity patterns, highlighting an opportunity for targeted health interventions. • Longitudinal data reveals critical periods post-retirement that could benefit from public health strategies to maintain or increase physical activity among older adults.

Development of a 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique to quantify NADH and NAD+ at 3 T

NADH and NAD+ act as electron donors and acceptors and NAD+ was shown to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic health. We here develop a non-invasive Phosphorous Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (31P-MRS) method to quantify these metabolites in human skeletal muscle on a clinical 3 T MRI scanner. This new MR-sequence enables NADH and NAD+ quantification by suppressing α-ATP signal, normally overlapping with NADH and NAD+. The sequence is based on a double spin echo in combination with a modified z-Filter achieving strong α-ATP suppression with little effect on NAD+ and NADH. Here we test and validate it in phantoms and in humans by measuring reproducibility and detecting a physiological decrease in NAD+ and increase in NADH induced by ischemia. Furthermore, the 31P-MRS outcomes are compared to analysis in biopsies. Additionally, we show higher NAD+ and lower NADH content in physically active older adults compared to sedentary individuals, reflecting increased metabolic health.

Nutrition and Physical Activity in Older Adults with CKD patients: Two Sides of the Same Coin.

Nutrition and physical activity are two major issues in the management of CKD patients who are often older, have comorbidities and are prone to malnutrition and physical inactivity, conditions that cause loss of quality of life and increase the risk of death. We performed a multidimensional assessment of nutritional status and of physical performance and activity in CKD patients on conservative therapy in order to assess the prevalence of sedentary behaviour and its relationship with body composition. 115 consecutive stable CKD patients aged 45-80 years were included in the study. They had no major skeletal, muscular or neurological disabilities. All patients underwent a multidimensional assessment of body composition, physical activity and exercise capacity. Sedentary patients, as defined by mean daily METs &lt; 1.5 were older and differed from non-sedentary patients in terms of body composition, exercise capacity and nutrient intake, even after adjusting for age. Average daily METs were positively associated with lean body mass, muscle strength, 6-MWT performance, but negatively associated with fat body mass, body mass index and waist circumference. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle may have negative effects on free fat mass, muscle strength and exercise capacity, and may increase fat body mass. Conversely, s decrease in muscle mass and/or an increase in fat mass may lead to a decrease in physical activity and exercise capacity. There is a clear association and potential interrelationship between nutritional aspects and exercise capacity in older adults with CKD: they are really the two sides of the same coin.

Role of Meaningful Social Participation and Technology Use in Mitigating Loneliness and Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults.

Community social participation aids dementia prevention and alleviates loneliness among older adults. Incorporating occupational therapy using information and communications technology (ICT) could potentially delay dementia onset and reduce loneliness. To quantify how meaningful social participation, participation frequency, ICT use, and expanded social networks influence cognitive function and loneliness among socially active older Japanese adults. Cross-sectional exploratory study using structural equation modeling. Meetings organized by older adults at seven community gathering places in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. One hundred thirteen healthy older adult cohort members. Cognitive function assessed via Mini-Cog; loneliness assessed via the condensed UCLA Loneliness Scale. The final model demonstrated excellent fit, χ2(23) = 28.291, p = .205 (root mean square error of approximation = .045, 90% confidence interval [.000, .094]; confirmatory factor index = .995; Tucker-Lewis Index = .993). ICT use directly affected social networks (β = 0.472), which directly influenced participation frequency (β = 0.324) and meaningful social participation (β = 0.381). The indirect effect of meaningful participation significantly improved cognitive function (β = 0.237). The only indirect effect of meaningful interpersonal participation was a reduction in loneliness (β = -0.235). ICT use contributes to the expansion of social networks among elderly people. Furthermore, the frequency of social participation and the meaningfulness of such participation are related to reduction in loneliness and maintenance of cognitive function. Although the frequency of social participation was not directly related to these outcomes, the results suggest that meaningful social participation may play an important role in reducing loneliness and maintaining cognitive function. Plain-Language Summary: The promotion of social participation among older people is a global phenomenon, driven by the recognition of its positive relationship with cognitive function and the alleviation of loneliness. Nevertheless, older people's social participation is constrained by a combination of physical and social factors. To address this issue, there has been a push to promote social participation based on information and communications technology (ICT). However, no specific study has been conducted on occupational therapists' perspective in capturing social participation and the use of ICT. The findings of this study show that using ICT has the potential to enhance opportunities for social interaction for older adults, thereby improving the quality and quantity of social participation. The quality of social participation was identified as the sole factor that had a positive impact on cognitive function and loneliness. This study suggests the need for occupational therapists to consider means of facilitating the use of ICTs among older adults as well as interventions that use occupational therapy theory to enhance the meaningfulness of existing social participation opportunities.

Diabetes knowledge, health literacy and diabetes self-care among older adults living with diabetes in Alexandria, Egypt

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is a rising health problem, especially in older adults. Health literacy and the degree of diabetes knowledge are among the factors that may influence diabetes self-care activities. The aim of this study was to assess factors affecting self-care activities among older adults living with type 2 diabetes in Alexandria, Egypt.MethodsA cross-sectional study included 400 older adults over the age of 60 with type 2 diabetes, recruited from diabetes outpatient clinics affiliated to the health insurance organization in Alexandria, Egypt. A predesigned, structured interview questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic factors, personal habits, medical history, and drug history. The All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS) and the numeracy section of the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA) were used to assess the level of health literacy. Diabetes Knowledge Test 2 (DKT2) was used to assess diabetes knowledge and Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities scale was used to assess self-care activities. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between health literacy and self-care.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 65.75 ± 5.15 years, and 56.2% of them were males. The mean duration of diabetes was 10.61 ± 5.28 years, 14.3% were illiterate, and 37.2% were university graduates. Positive correlations were found between health literacy, diabetes knowledge, and diabetes self-care activities (p < 0.001). Health literacy and diabetes knowledge were found to be significant predictors of diabetes self-care activities in older adults (aOR = 1.132; 95% CI:1.062–1.207, p < 0.001 and aOR = 1.313; 95% CI: 1.178–1.464, p < 0.001; respectively).ConclusionsHealth literacy and diabetes knowledge were found to be predictors of good self-care activities in older adults living with diabetes. Health educators and health care professionals should focus on health education and the enhancement of diabetes knowledge to improve self-care activities and eventually glycemic control in older adults living with diabetes.

Prospective Intervention Strategies Between Skeletal Muscle Health and Mitochondrial Changes During Aging.

Sarcopenia is a geriatric condition characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function, significantly impacting both quality of life and overall health. Mitochondria are the main sites of energy production within the cell, and also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which maintain mitochondrial homeostasis-mitophagy (clearing damaged mitochondria); mitochondrial dynamics, which involve fusion and fission to regulate mitochondrial morphology; mitochondrial biogenesis, which ensures the functionality and homeostasis of mitochondria. Sarcopenia is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that muscle mitochondrial function therapy should be investigated. Extrinsic therapies are extensively examined to identify new treatments for muscular illnesses including sarcopenia. Changes in muscle physiology and lifestyle interventions, such as pharmacological treatments and exercise, can modulate mitochondrial activity in older adults. This PubMed review encompasses the most significant mitophagy and sarcopenia research from the past five years. Animal models, cellular models, and human samples are well covered. The review will inform the development of novel mitochondria-targeted therapies aimed at combating age-related muscle atrophy.

Seasonality and climate change: Challenges for physical activity in older adults

Seasonality and climate change: Challenges for physical activity in older adults Research indicates seasonal variations in physical activity levels among adults in different climates due to temperature and humidity. Climate change’s increasing extreme weather may significantly affect physical activity in older adults already struggling to meet activity guidelines. Isabelle J. Dionne from the Université de Sherbrooke explains. Physical activity (PA) is a key behavior in the determination of health and quality of life of older adults but remains low in developed countries. The environment where PA is practiced is emerging as a significant motivation factor to adhere to PA in adult populations, and natural environments are now being promoted as a favorable milieu. Indeed, PA practiced in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement, decreases in tension and depression, and increased energy compared with exercising in synthetic environments such as indoors. Because outdoor PA, also called ‘green PA,’ is associated with higher adherence to a program than the same indoor intervention, a better understanding of how safe outdoor PA can be practiced all year round seems a promising avenue for health promotion.

Affective response to daily physical activity in younger and older adults.

Many older adults do not meet the physical activity recommendations of the American Heart Association; hence, it is important to understand the factors that can facilitate regular physical activity in older adults. Notably, the role of affective response has been understudied. Mixed findings have been reported in terms of age effects in affective response to daily physical activity. This study aimed to determine age differences in affective response to daily physical activity and whether these differences are associated with overall physical activity levels. Further, the role of contextual factors in age differences in affective response following daily physical activity was examined. Younger (n = 59) and older adults (n = 60) completed 1 week of experience sampling during which they responded to daily prompts about their affect and physical activity. Overall physical activity levels were estimated via actigraphy. In both age groups, daily physical activity was similarly associated with greater high-arousal positive (HAP) affect relative to other activities. Across age groups, participants reported more HAP affect when engaging in daily physical activity in a group compared to alone. Greater duration and enjoyment of daily physical activity were more strongly associated with greater HAP affect in younger adults relative to older adults. Affective responses following bouts of daily physical activity did not predict overall physical activity levels for either age group. Overall, older adults may experience similar positive affective response to younger adults following daily physical activity relative to other activities. These affective responses may have a limited role in physical activity engagement in daily life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Differences in foot morphology across age groups for women active in sport.

Foot morphology in the general population has been shown to change with age and active older adults have reported a need for wide-fitting footwear. This study recruited 374 women active in racket sports and team sports in the United Kingdom who had their feet scanned while 50% weight bearing. Participants were grouped into 10-year age bands ranging from 18-29 years to 70-79 years. Data analysis was performed on the widths, heights and circumferences of participants' right feet normalised to foot length, as well as an assessment of hallux valgus angle and deformity. The 18-29-year group had significantly smaller in measures of foot width, ball of foot circumference and short heel circumference (p&lt;0.05, η2 =0.042- η2 =0.056) compared to the older groups. The foot dorsum height and circumference at 50% foot length were significantly less in the oldest age groups compared to the middle age groups (p= 0.0001, η2 = 0.055 and p= 0.0007, η2 = 0.044 respectively). There was some evidence of increased hallux valgus deformity with age. Designers and manufacturers of athletic footwear should be aware of the changes in footwear morphology with age in order to provide more inclusive footwear.

The role of therapeutic footwear to increase daily physical activity in older adults with chronic foot pain

BackgroundApproximately third of older adults report foot pain that can lead to reduced physical activity. In this study, we examined whether a novel therapeutic shoe that addresses both aesthetics to enhance acceptability and biomechanical features to reduce foot pain, might improve daily physical activity in older adults with mild to moderate foot pain. MethodsIn a 12-week crossover randomized controlled trial, older adults with chronic foot pain were randomly assigned to either group AB or BA. Group AB wore therapeutic footwear (OrthoFeet, NY, USA) for six weeks (intervention A) before switching to their own shoes for six weeks (intervention B). Group BA followed the reverse order. Physical activity (daily steps, burned calories, metabolic equivalent of task) was tracked throughout the trial with a smartwatch. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to compare differences in foot pain and physical activity between interventions A and B. FindingsTwenty-nine participants (mean age = 67 ± 5 years, 17 % male) completed the study. Compared to baseline, wearing OrthoFeet increased daily steps (p = 0.045; +698 steps/day), burned kilocalories (p = 0.048; +177 kcal/day), and metabolic equivalent of task (p = 0.046; +34 MET.min.wk.−1). InterpretationFindings suggest that the combination of both aesthetic and biomechanical features designed to encourage engagement in activities of daily living and reduce foot pain, respectively, increased daily physical activity among older adults with mild to moderate foot pain.

Patient Activation Impacts Physical Activity in Older Adults with CKD

Patient Activation Impacts Physical Activity in Older Adults with CKD

Is there an association between skeletal health and sympathetic nervous system activity in older adults?

Is there an association between skeletal health and sympathetic nervous system activity in older adults?

A well-balanced vegan diet does not compromise daily mixed muscle protein synthesis rates when compared to an omnivorous diet in active older adults: a randomized controlled cross-over trial

A well-balanced vegan diet does not compromise daily mixed muscle protein synthesis rates when compared to an omnivorous diet in active older adults: a randomized controlled cross-over trial

Impact of retirement on health-related conditions, leisure, and physical activity in older adults

Impact of retirement on health-related conditions, leisure, and physical activity in older adults

Improving Cognitive Performance with Board Activities in Older Adults

Cognitive function decline is one of the problems that is often experienced as we age, and this has an impact on activities of daily living (ADL), social participation, employment, psychological conditions, and independence of pre-elderly and elderly. To maintain cognitive abilities, interventions in the form of cognitive activities are needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Monopoli Modified Board Game (Indonesian Version) on the cognitive abilities of pre-elderly and elderly. The method used was pre-experimental one-group pretest and posttest, with 28 subjects from the elderly community RW 8, Kemiri, Kebakkramat, Karanganyar. Data collection was carried out using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesian Version (MoCa-Ina) instrument, and the modified monopoly game was conducted in 8 sessions for eight weeks. The results showed that there was a significant effect of the Monopoly Modified Board Game on the cognitive abilities of pre-elderly and elderly, with a paired t-test value of Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.001, which means the p-value &lt;0.05. The mean difference of 2.25 indicates an increase in cognitive abilities after the intervention. The majority of research subjects were female, with a pre-elderly age category of 53.5%, most were not working (60.7%), and had the last education at a low level (75%). The implication of this study shows that the Monopoli Modified Board Game (Indonesian Version) can be an effective alternative intervention in improving cognitive abilities in pre-elderly and elderly, so that it can help them maintain independence and a better quality of life.