Activity Participation In Older Adults Research Articles

The role of social and intellectual activity participation in older adults’ cognitive function

Theoretical backgroundA challenge of the ageing of the population is cognitive performance, given its association to optimal ageing. Documented predictors of cognition have included socio-demographics, education or physical factors. However, the association of social and intellectual activity participation to cognition has been less studied. AimThis study presents a predictive model of cognitive functioning including these alternative factors as well as more seminal ones to explain cognition in old age. Materials and methodsThe sample was composed by 45475 older adult participants in the 8th Wave of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe, that took place between 2019 and 2020. A correlational design was specified to test the effects of age, gender, years of education, physical inactivity, number of chronic diseases, social activity participation and intellectual activity participation on temporal orientation, numeracy, verbal fluency and memory. A completely a priori Structural Equation Model with latent variables was tested. ResultsThe sample had an average of 70 years of age, was well-educated and physically active and engaged in reading. There was a higher proportion of females. The model showed an optimal fit to the data, explaining 8.7%-36.0% of the different cognitive components’ variance. Age, years of education and intellectual activity displayed the largest effects across the cognitive domains. ConclusionsFindings suggest that social and intellectual activity participation are of relative importance to predict cognition in old age, even when considering other well-documented factors affecting older adults’ cognitive functioning.

Effect of psychosocial motivations and technology on physical activity behaviours among community older men and women

BackgroundImplementation of physical activity strategies in older populations may be influenced by underlying psychosocial and gender-based factors to physical activity. We explored associations between these factors and physical activity behaviors and technology among older men and women.MethodsCommunity older adults underwent echocardiography and interviewer administered questionnaires that collected physical activity habits, self-motivation, self-empowerment and smartphone usage patterns associated with physical activity. Aerobic capacity was denoted by VO2max (High VO2 was defined as VO2 > 35 (ml/kg/min) for men or VO2 > 27 (ml/kg/min) for women).ResultsAmong 180 participants (mean age 77 (71–80) years; 43% females), 101 (56.1%) had a low VO2max. Barriers to activity were lack of time (27.8%), tiredness (26.7%), affordability (12.8%) and pain while exercising (12.2%). Compared to participants with high VO2max, those with low VO2max were less likely to report feeling good post-exercise (70.3% vs 86.1%, adjusted p = 0.041) and express barriers to exercise (72.3% vs 88.6%, adjusted p = 0.017). Compared to men, women were more likely to express motivation for exercise if they were guided by an instructor (20.5% vs 1.96%, adjusted p = 0.027), less likely to prefer control over exercise type and difficulty (57.7% vs 82.4%, adjusted p = 0.001), express interest in smartphone apps (7.84% vs 24.4%, adjusted p = 0.01) and participate in apps-guided exercise (10.3% vs 29.4%, adjusted p = 0.001). Major factors that motivated the use of smartphone applications to manage individual health were financial incentives (23.9%) and guidance on exercise routines (21.1%) while the reveal of personal information was a major deterrent (28.3%).ConclusionsWe observed differences in physical activity motivation, empowerment and technology use based on gender and functional status. Tailoring physical activity strategies, including digital health strategies, that target psychosocial and gender-based factors may improve activity participation in older adults.

Leisure activity and cognitive function among Chinese old adults: The multiple mediation effect of anxiety and loneliness

BackgroundMost countries in the world, including China, are experiencing serious aging problems. The decline of cognitive function seriously affects the quality of life of the elderly in their later years and brings an inevitable heavy burden to the family and society. Therefore, in order to achieve successful aging, the purpose of this study is to test the serial multiple mediation effect of anxiety and loneliness between leisure activity and cognitive function in Chinese elderly population. MethodsUsing 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) dataset, we finally selected 6,525 Chinese elderly people over 65 years old after screening. Firstly, we described the basic social demographic information of the sample population. Secondly, Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine whether there is a correlation between leisure activity, anxiety, loneliness and cognitive function in Chinese elderly. Finally, the serial multiple mediation analysis was completed using the SPSS macro PROCESS program. ResultsLeisure activity, anxiety, loneliness and cognitive function were significantly correlated (p<0.01). Leisure activity can not only have a direct positive impact on the cognitive function of the elderly (effect=0.2231; SE=0.0122; 95%CI: LL=0.1992, UL=0.2470), but also have an indirect impact on the cognitive function through three paths: the independent mediating role of anxiety (effect=0.0028; SE=0.0015; 95%CI: LL=0.0001, UL=0.0059), the independent mediating role of loneliness (effect=0.0032; SE=0.0016; 95%CI: LL=0.0002, UL=0.0065), and the chain mediating role of anxiety and loneliness (effect=0.0008; SE=0.0004; 95%CI: LL=0.0001, UL=0.0017). LimitationsAll items were self-reported and some results may have biased. In the future, it may be more instructive to explore the impact of specific leisure activity on the cognitive function of the elderly. ConclusionsThe study suggests that leisure activity can improve cognitive function through decreasing anxiety and loneliness among the Chinese elderly. Diversified interventions aimed at increasing leisure activity participation in older adults would be beneficial for their mental health and cognitive function.

Within-Person Associations Among Self-Perceptions of Memory, Depressive Symptoms, and Activity Participation in Older Adults

Self-perceptions of memory problems may impact older adults' mood as well as their activity participation, thereby negatively affecting health and well-being. We examined within-person associations among self-reported memory, depressive symptoms, as well as physical, social, and cognitive activity participation in older adults without cognitive impairment. Samples were drawn from the Einstein Aging Study (EAS), National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP), and Minority Aging Research Study (MARS), with over 8,000 participants (65+ years) included across data sets. In a series of coordinated analyses, multilevel structural equation modeling was used to examine within-person relationships over periods of up to 20 years. Across EAS, NHATS, and MAP/MARS samples, we found that older adults' self-perceptions of memory did not directly covary with activity participation over time. However, we did find an indirect association in NHATS such that within-person changes in depressive symptoms were associated with changes in self-reported memory, and these contributed to lower physical as well as social activity participation. Older adults' activity participation is important for health, but maximizing engagement requires understanding potentially impeding factors. We found some evidence that as self-perceptions of memory change over time, associated depressive symptoms may contribute to lower activity participation. Inconsistent findings across data sets, however, suggest future research is needed to understand individual characteristics that may influence these relationships.

Strategies to Support Physical Activity Participation in Older Adults With Heart Failure

Physical activity (PA) is recommended for people living with heart failure (HF). Despite evidence of its benefits, participation in PA is low in this population, putting them at risk for loss of functional independence and additional health burdens. The aim of this pilot study was to ask older adults living with stable, chronic HF to identify strategies to support regular PA. Patients in an outpatient HF rehabilitation program were recruited to participate in focus groups about their PA knowledge, attitudes, and preferences as part of a stakeholder engagement project. At the beginning of the focus group, participants completed a questionnaire listing 8 potential strategies to optimize PA, and were asked to identify the top 4 strategies that they thought would be most beneficial to support regular PA participation. This was the focus of the current analysis. Thirteen adults with HF (M age=65; 46% female; 62% African American; M BMI=32.6 kg/m2) were enrolled. Top-rated strategies endorsed by participants to support long-term adherence to PA included provision of an exercise guide to support home-based exercise and supplement health provider-supervised exercise sessions (69%), group education classes (64%), completion of fitness assessments at regular intervals (62%), and provision of a transition pathway from an exercise rehabilitation program to a community-based exercise program (62%). The remaining strategies were endorsed by fewer than 50% of participants, and included remote delivery and support options. These results have important implications for future program development and implementation efforts to support PA among older adults with stable, chronic HF.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES AMONG ETHNICALLY DIVERSE OLDER ADULTS

Objectives: With aging, there is an increased chance for older adults to experience negative health outcome and lose independence. Previous studies have shown the positive influence of engagement in physical, religious, recreational and social activities on healthy aging. This study aims to examine the factors contributing to the frequency of activity participation that helps older adults achieve the goal of staying healthy. Method: A sample (n=480) aged 60-90 with M=74.31, SD=7.65, and female 55.6 % from Well Elderly II were surveyed for the study. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with the frequency of activity participation. Age, ethnicity, education and gender controlling for meaning ascribed to activity were entered in model I. While the independent variables: social support, perceived mental and physical health and meaning ascribed for activity participation were in model II. Model II (R2=57.8%) significantly improved the prediction of the outcome variable greater than model I (R2=13.4%). Results: Results showed that age, education, ethnicity, perceived mental health, physical health, social support were significant. Of all variables the meaning attributed to activity participation (β =59.2%, <.001) is the most predictor of meaningful frequency of activity participation in older adults. This implies that the meaning individuals attribute to activity participation increases their frequency of activity participation. Also, age, education, and ethnicity play important role in understanding the importance of consistency in activity participation. Implications: Meaningful activity participation should be encouraged to enable older adults increase their participation in activities that promote healthy living.

The Relationship between Subjective Cognitive Impairment and Activity Participation: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT This systematic review synthesizes current evidence to determine how subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) relates to physical, cognitive, and social activity participation in older adults. Nine peer-reviewed articles were reviewed and appraised for evidence quality. Most were cross-sectional and had high methodological quality. Higher levels of SCI were almost universally associated with lower levels of physical and social activity participation. These findings suggest that older adults who report higher SCI engage in fewer activities. Examining these relationships longitudinally is an important next step to determine whether SCI precedes withdrawing from activities in older adults.

Fall Risk and Utilization of Balance Training for Adults With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease that hinders activity participation in older adults. Associated symptoms and physiological changes can increase risk of falling in individuals with KOA. Balance training can decrease fall risks in older adults. Limited evidence exists regarding utilization of balance training in physical therapy (PT) for this population. This secondary data analysis investigated the proportion of participants at high risk for falling in the PhysicAl THerapy vs. INternet-based Exercise Training for Patients with Osteoarthritis (PATH-IN) study and the frequency with which balance training was utilized as an intervention in PT. PATH-IN study participants (N = 344) performed the Four-Stage Balance Test and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test during baseline assessment. Participants were randomly allocated to PT, an Internet-based exercise program, or a control group. Participants were classified as being at high risk for falling if they did not progress to the single-leg stance (SLS) during the Four-Stage Balance Test, were unable to maintain SLS for 5 seconds, or took longer than 13.5 seconds to complete the TUG test. The proportion of participants at high risk for falling was calculated for all participants and separately for those allocated to PT. In addition, PT notes were coded for balance training and the frequency of balance training utilization was calculated. Upon enrollment, 35.5% (N = 122) of all participants and 36.2% (N = 50) of those allocated to PT were at high risk for falling. Of participants allocated to PT with documentation available for coding (N = 118), 35.5% (N = 42) were at high risk for falling. Balance training was provided to 62.7% (N = 74) during at least one PT session. Of those classified as being at high risk for falling, 33.3% (N = 14) did not receive balance training. The finding of high fall risks in more than one-third of all participants with KOA is consistent with previous reports of a higher risk of falling in this population. Many PT participants did receive some balance training; however, one-third of participants at high risk for falling did not. Balance training for individuals with KOA at high risk for falling may be underutilized.

Feasibility of a community-based Functional Power Training program for older adults

PurposeCommunity-based programs can increase and sustain physical activity participation in older adults, even for those who are physically frail. We studied the feasibility and potential effect of a 12-week structured Functional Power Training (FPT) program involving high velocities and low loads for older adults conducted in a common area of their housing estate.Patients and methodsThe structured FPT program was conducted in collaboration with a health promotion social enterprise and a community service provider based in a public housing site. We recruited nine inactive residents as participants to the single, group-based, twice-weekly program. Attendance and adverse event(s) were recorded throughout the program. The Short Physical Performance Battery, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 30s Sit-to-Stand tests were used to assess functional outcomes pre- and postprogram. The FRAIL Scale was used to assess their frailty status, and a postprogram experience survey was conducted.ResultsEight subjects (aged 74±10 years) completed the program with an average overall attendance of 90.3%, with at least five participants present for each session. Changes in functional outcomes showed a moderate-to-large effect with significant improvement in TUG (p<0.01). In addition, participants either reversed or maintained their frailty status (p<0.01). Overall, the program was perceived to be well structured, engaging, as well as providing physical and psychosocial benefits. No exercise-related adverse events occurred during the program, and participants were keen to recommend this program to others.ConclusionCommunity-based structured FPT is safe and feasible for frail older adults, with the potential to improve function and reverse frailty status.

Restrictions of physical activity participation in older adults with disability: employing keyword network analysis

Older adults with disability might have been increasing due to the rapid aging of society. Many studies showed that physical activity is an essential part for improving quality of life in later lives. Regular physical activity is an efficient means that has roles of primary prevention and secondary prevention. However, there were few studies regarding older adults with disability and physical activity participation. The purpose of this current study was to investigate restriction factors to regularly participate older adults with disability in physical activity by employing keyword network analysis. Two hundred twenty-nine older adults with disability who were over 65 including aging with disability and disability with aging in type of physical disability and brain lesions defined by disabled person welfare law partook in the open questionnaire assessing barriers to participate in physical activity. The results showed that the keyword the most often used was ‘Traffic’ which was total of 21 times (3.47%) and the same proportion as in the ‘personal’ and ‘economical’. Exercise was considered the most central keyword for participating in physical activity and keywords such as facility, physical activity, disabled, program, transportation, gym, discomfort, opportunity, and leisure activity were associated with exercise. In conclusion, it is necessary to educate older persons with disability about a true meaning of physical activity and providing more physical activity opportunities and decreasing inconvenience should be systematically structured in Korea.

Gender and regional differences in going-out, social, and leisure activities among older adults. Findings from the JAGES Project

Promoting social and leisure activity participation in older adults could be effective in preventing their health decline. However, gender or regional differences in those activities remain unclear despite the necessity of gender- or region-specific approaches to their promotion. This study examined gender and urban-rural differences in going-out, social, and leisure activities among community-dwelling older adults. Data were obtained from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). Those analyzed were 103,621 people aged 65 or older who were functionally independent and lived in one of 31 municipalities. A total of seven activity variables were assessed with weekly going out, engagement in paid work, monthly and any frequency of engagement in group activities, monthly and any frequency of contact with friends, and having hobbies. We additionally assessed the contents of the group activities and hobbies. Gender, age groups (young-old: 65-74; old-old: 75 and over), and region groups, which were categorized as rural, urban, or metropolitan, were assessed along with education, depression, and other covariates. A chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine the age group-stratified differences in the going-out, social, and leisure activities among gender and region groups (P<.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that men were more likely to engage in weekly going out, paid work, and hobbies but less likely to engage in group activities and contact with friends, either monthly or at any frequency. Most activities were also found to differ significantly among the region groups. For instance, people in metropolitan areas were 2.3 times more likely to engage in weekly going out but were 0.4 (old-old group) or 0.5 times (young-old group) less likely to engage in contact with friends. Percentages of engagement in hobby- or sport-groups were over 20% in all gender and region groups; on the other hand, about 30% differences were found in the percentages of engagement in senior clubs or neighborhood associations between metropolitan and rural men. As for having hobbies, walking/jogging and gardening were popular across all gender and region groups, while the percentages of engagement in a variety of hobbies differed among gender and region groups. Our findings suggest 1) differences in the levels of social and leisure activities among gender and region groups and 2) both similarities and differences in the popular group activities or hobbies among gender and region groups. Activity promotion for older adults should be targeted considering these gender and region group characteristics.

Effective Community-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Older Adults Living in Rural and Regional Areas: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the characteristics and effectiveness of community-based interventions designed to increase physical activity participation in older adults (aged 65 years or more) living in rural or regional areas. Relevant peer-reviewed literature was obtained, using four primary electronic search engines, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses statement. The initial search identified 4,690 articles. After removal of duplicates and excluded articles, seven articles were included in the review. Few consistencies existed between intervention types, duration, outcome measures, and follow-up. Results provide some evidence to support the effectiveness of community-based interventions that include low- to moderate-intensity exercise to increase physical activity, physical function, and psychological state. However, without more rigorous studies it is difficult to identify the most critical characteristics of community-based interventions for older adults in rural and regional settings.

Physical activity attitudes, beliefs, and practices among adults 50 and older: baseline community assessment.

This study aligned with the National Blueprint, a coalition of national organizations to identify the principal barriers to physical activity participation in older adults and to outline strategies for increasing physical activity levels. A community coalition took the initiative to conduct a baseline assessment of health attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors among community adults in order to understand the immediate needs of the adult community. Adults 50 and older (N = 309) completed surveys of health and physical activity (PA) behaviors. Individuals reported below average physical activity levels. Motives and barriers to PA differed by gender and race/ethnicity. Age and health perceptions significantly predicted PA levels. Findings support previous research with this age group, thus discussion of the utility of multi-level approaches (e.g., social ecological model) to health betterment in communities is forwarded. Providing multi-level resources (personal, social, environmental, policy) can increase opportunities for adoption and maintenance of health behaviors.

Physical Activity in U.S. Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence and Correlates of Meeting Physical Activity Recommendations

To compare the prevalence and correlates of meeting current recommendations for physical activity in older adults with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) in the United States. A cross-sectional, population-based sample. The 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, which employs random-digit dialing to interview noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Ninety-nine thousand one hundred seventy-two adults (18,370 with DM) aged 65 and older. The age-adjusted prevalence and the odds ratios for physical activity patterns (defined on the basis of the physical activity guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA 2007) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS 2008)) were obtained using multiple logistic regression analyses. The correlates of meeting physical activity recommendations were assessed using log-binomial regression analyses. Overall, 25% and 42% of older adults with diabetes mellitus met recommendations for total physical activity based on the ADA 2007 and the DHHS 2008 guidelines, respectively. Adults with DM were 31% to 34% (P < .001) less likely to engage in physical activity at recommended levels and 13% to 19% (P < .001) less likely to be physically active at insufficient levels than those without DM. Analyses limited to participants who reported no disability yielded similar results. In adults with DM, older age (≥ 75); being female; being non-Hispanic black; and having obesity, coronary heart disease, and disability were associated with less likelihood, whereas advanced educational status was associated with greater likelihood of meeting physical activity recommendations. In the United States, efforts to boost physical activity participation in older adults with DM are needed.

Barriers to Physical Activity Participation in Older Adults

Barriers to Physical Activity Participation in Older Adults

Barriers to Physical Activity Participation in Older Adults

Barriers to Physical Activity Participation in Older Adults

Physical activity and physique anxiety in older adults: Fitness, and efficacy influences

Employing a randomized controlled trial, this study documents the effects of six months of physical activity and six month follow-up on reduction in social physique anxiety (SPA) in older adults. In addition, the role played by changes in behavioral, physiological, and psychological predictors of changes in SPA were examined. Participants ( n = 174, mean age = 65 yrs) were randomly assigned to one of two activity groups and engaged in a six-month structured exercise program. Measures of physique anxiety were taken at baseline, six and twelve months. Latent growth curve analyses revealed significant reductions in SPA over the course of the 12-month period. Structural analyses controlling for treatment condition indicated that improvements in self-efficacy and fitness were significant predictors of changes in SPA but that changes in body fat and exercise frequency did not contribute to variation in SPA. Overall this model accounted for 19% of the variation in SPA changes. The extent to which changes in SPA may contribute to continued physical activity participation in older adults and how exercise programs might effectively influence predictors of SPA are discussed.

Physical Activity Participation in Older Adults: A Comparison of Competitors, Noncompetitors, and Nonexercisers

Histories of competitive sports involvement, health beliefs, reasons for exercising, and personality were compared across three groups of older adults who varied according to involvement in physical activity. Based on questionnaire responses, 246 participants were classified as competitors, noncompetitors. or nonexercisers. Competitors exhibited a lifelong history of sports participation. Although nonexercisers and noncompetitors participated in sports during their childhood and teenage years, their involvement in competition decreased noticeably in their 20s and remained low throughout adulthood. Competitors rated exercise significantly more important than did nonexercisers and non-competitors and had more varied reasons for exercising. Nonexercisers considered reducing stress and improving mood to be less important reasons for exercising than competitors and noncompetitors. All three groups were found to possess high levels of positive and low levels of negative personality traits.