Behaviour Of Older People Research Articles

АНАЛИЗ ПОВЕДЕНИЯ НА РЫНКЕ ТРУДА ЛИЦ СТАРШЕГО ВОЗРАСТА: ОБЩЕРОССИЙСКИЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИИ И ТИПОЛОГИЯ РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫХ МОДЕЛЕЙ (Analysis of Behavior in the Labor Market of Elderly Aged Persons: All-Russian Trends and Typology of Regional Models)

Russian Abstract:Объектом исследования является поведение на рынке труда людей старшего возраста в России. English Abstract:The object of the research is the behavior of older people in the labor market in Russia.

Loneliness and Purpose in Life Are Important Predictors for Future Care Planning

Experiencing purpose and social connection in later life is associated with better quality of life, better cognition, less morbidity, and lower risk of mortality. People who experience less purpose in life are more likely to report loneliness (Neville et al., 2018), and those with vision impairment are at greater risk for loneliness than the general population (Brunes et al., 2019). Planning for future care may be one way to enhance late life outcomes, but it is unclear how loneliness and purpose in life are related to planning behaviors in older people with vision loss. Using a sample of 200 older adults who were diagnosed with macular degeneration, this study explored the association of loneliness and purpose in life on future care planning variables after controlling for basic health and demographic variables. Hierarchical regressions showed that 1) people who are lonelier (β=.26, p<.05) but report greater purpose in life (β=.19, p<.05) are more aware of future care needs (ΔR2= .14, p<.001); 2) people who are lonelier (β=-.16, p<.05) but report greater purpose in life (β=-.46, p<.001) are less avoidant of planning (ΔR2= .14, p<.001); and 3) people who report greater purpose in life are more likely to gather information (β=.24, p<.05; ΔR2= .04, p<.05) and establish concrete plans related to planning for future care (β=.25, p<.05; ΔR2= .06, p<.001). These results suggest that having purpose in later life may boost planning behaviors, while those who are lonely may need help translating their awareness of future care needs into planning behaviors.

The role of automatic habit in physical activity behaviours in older people: A new target for lifestyle interventions for dementia risk reduction?

AbstractBackgroundPhysical inactivity is a key risk factor for dementia, yet physical inactivity is common in older adults. Increasing physical activity levels in this population is an urgent health priority. Automatic, context‐dependent habits may play an important role in physical activity behaviour. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity behaviours and their automaticity in older people.Method123 community dwelling Australians aged over 65 years (M=72.2; 81 women), recruited from participant registries, local hospital noticeboards and community groups, completed an online questionnaire. Current physical activity levels were measured using the Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire, and automaticity of those physical activity behaviours were measured using the Self‐Report Habit Automaticity Index. Participants also reported demographic information, falls and medical history, and current mood symptoms.ResultParticipants reported an average of 2.28 hours planned walking (SD=2.33), 5.81 hours planned moderate/vigorous exercise (SD=4.02), and 20.5 hours incidental activity (SD=15.52) per week. Multiple regression analyses revealed that after controlling for age, gender, BMI and depression symptoms, higher automaticity scores were associated with more hours per week of planned walking (p=.012), moderate/vigorous exercise (p=.038), and incidental activity (p=.017).ConclusionIn a sample of active older Australians, participants who engaged in higher levels of physical activity reported their activity to be more automatic than those reporting lower levels of activity, regardless of the type of physical activity engaged in. Supporting older people to make their physical activity more habitual could therefore be an effective approach to increase levels of physical activity in this population.

Effects of pony-assisted therapy on the behavior of older people with neurocognitive disorders living in nursing homes

Experienced in psychomotricity in two nursing homes, pony-assisted therapy shows first positive effects on psycho-behavioral symptoms. Recognized in the field of disability and psychiatry, this form of therapy is not developed in gerontology. To measure the effects of this therapy on the behavior of elderly people with neurocognitive disorders living in long-term care and especially on the involvement in this activity. Anxiety and apathy were chosen as the measurement criteria. An intervention study with an experimental cross-study design was conducted over two months for 23 subjects. An intervention group was studied during a period with TAP and a period without TAP. Another group without intervention was also studied. All participants were assessed before and after intervention with the NPI-R scale. The engagement during two TAP sessions and one animation time was also evaluated with the ECPAI scale. In the crossover study, positive engagement is more important in participant/pony interaction than in participant/facilitator interaction (p<0.01). The ECPAI score reflecting apathetic behavior was significantly decreased during interaction with the animal than in the interaction with the facilitator in patients undergoing therapy (p<0.01). The ECPAI score reflecting engagement is greater in pony interaction for participants in therapy than in the control group in facilitator interaction (p<0.01). There is no significant change in the scores for the anxiety and apathy items on the NPI-R scale. TAP participates in the positive engagement of the elderly people in the interaction with the animal. These results are consistent with the conclusions of the studies on animal mediation and confirm the clinical observations collected. TAP could work by improving self-esteem and valuing all of the person's preserved abilities.

Elderly mortality at the Russian Far East: seasonality and mitigation

In many countries of the world, demographic changes have occurred, characterized by an increase in the share of socially inactive elderly people. The goal is a medical and demographic analysis of the elderly in the Far East. For Khabarovsk and Birobidzhan, seasonal patterns of mortality and self-preserving behavior of older people were investigated. In order to determine the actions and personal attitudes of self-preserving behavior for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, elderly people who visited the Vertical fitness center in Birobidzhan were interviewed. It was found that the overall mortality rate among older people is higher among men than among women. The main causes of death are cardiovascular diseases, which have a pronounced seasonality with a maximum in winter. It is shown that 23% of men and 48% of women do not demonstrate high social and physical activity and do not have any skills to maintain their health.

Randomized controlled trial protocol for project BRIDGE: A telephone-administered motivational interviewing intervention targeting risky sexual behavior in older people living with HIV

PurposeBy 2020, 70% of people living with HIV in the United States will be greater than 50 years of age. As many as 37% of sexually active older people living with HIV (OPLWH) engage in HIV transmission sexual behaviors. In spite of repeated calls for secondary prevention interventions to reduce condomless sex in OPLWH, no age-appropriate, evidence-based secondary prevention interventions exist for this group. Furthermore, many OPLWH face barriers to engaging in face-to-face secondary prevention services because of HIV- and age-related stigma, comorbid mental and physical health conditions that complicate travel, or geographic isolation. High rates of depression in OPLWH may further complicate engagement in interventions intended to reduce HIV transmissions. Telephone-administered motivational interviewing may be a feasible and efficacious intervention for this population. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial will test the efficacy of a 5-session telephone-administered motivational interviewing plus behavioral skills training (teleMI+BST) intervention versus a 5-session telephone-administered coping effectiveness training (teleCET) control intervention to reduce condomless sex in OPLWH. A diverse sample of 336 OPLWH will be recruited across the U.S. The primary analysis will test the efficacy of teleMI+BST to reduce occasions of non-condom protected anal and vaginal intercourse with HIV serodiscordant sex partners. Secondary analyses will examine the efficacy of teleMI+BST to reduce depressive symptoms in mildly depressed OPLWH. ConclusionThis is the first large-scale RCT intended to reduce HIV sexual transmission risk behavior in OPLWH and will add to the literature on secondary prevention telehealth interventions for people living with HIV.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03004170. This trial has been conducted by the approval of the Institutional Review Board. Participants provided verbal consent to participate in this trial.

Effects of benzodiazepines on orthostatic blood pressure in older people

BackgroundOlder people taking benzodiazepines (BDZs) have higher risk of falling, which is mainly attributed to cognitive and psychomotor effects. BDZs may also have hypotensive effects. We investigated the association between BDZs and orthostatic blood pressure behaviour in older people. MethodsWe retrospectively analysed data from an outpatient clinic where people aged 60 or older underwent a geriatric assessment. Non-invasive beat-to-beat orthostatic systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed at regular time intervals before and after an active stand test. We compared clinical characteristics between BDZs users and non-users and also investigated if BDZs use was an independent predictor of baseline SBP. Factors associated with SBP change were investigated using a repeated measures general linear model. ResultsOf 538 participants (67.7% female, mean age 72.7), 33 (6.1%) reported regular BDZs use. BDZ users had lower baseline SBP (149 versus 161 mmHg, P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression confirmed BDZs use as independent predictor of baseline SBP in N = =538. At 10 s post-stand, the SBP difference between BDZs use groups became maximum (21 mmHg); at this point, SBP still seemed to be decreasing in BDZ-users, whereas in controls it seemed to be recovering. After adjustment (age, sex, hypertension, frailty, comorbidity, antihypertensives), BDZs were associated with greater SBP reduction between baseline and 10 s post-stand (P < 0.05). ConclusionOlder people taking BDZs may have a higher risk of orthostatic hypotension, perhaps due to an exaggerated immediate BP drop. This adds to other BDZ-related falls risks. BDZs should be avoided in older people at risk of falling.

More Attacks and Analgesic Use in Old Age: Self-Reported Headache Across the Lifespan in a German Sample.

Background: Reliable population-based data on the prevalence and characteristics of primary headache across the lifespan are essential. However, robust data are lacking.Methods: We utilized questionnaire data from a random general population sample in Germany, that comprised 2,478 participants aged ≥14 years. A standardized questionnaire addressing headache and headache treatment was filled in during the face-to-face survey.Results: The 6-month prevalence of self-reported headache in the total sample amounted to 39.0% (known diagnosis of migraine 7.2%; tension-type headache 12.4%; another diagnosis or unknown diagnosis 23.4%). Age-specific prevalence rates were 37.9% (14–34 years), 44.6% (35–54 years), 38.5% (55–74 years), and 26.9% (≥75 years). Compared to age group 14–34, participants aged 35–54 were more (OR = 1.29, 95%-CI 1.05–1.60, p = 0.018) and those aged ≥75 were less (OR = 0.55, 95%-CI 0.40–0.76, p < 0.001) likely to have any headache. Of the participants with headache, 79.5% reported headache on <4 days per month, 15.6% on 4–14 days per month and 4.9% on >14 days per month. The frequency of headache did not differ significantly between age groups in men [ = 1.45, p > 0.05], but in women [ = 21.57, p < 0.001]: women aged ≥75 years were over-represented in the group reporting 4–14 headache days per month. The analgesic use (days per month) differed significantly between age groups among participants with headache on <4 days per month and on >14 days per month: 1.8 (14–34 years), 2.5 (35–54 years), 3.2 (55–74 years), and 3.4 (≥75 years), respectively 7.9 (14–34 years), 11.4 (35–54 years), 18.4 (55–74 years), and 22.8 (≥75 years).Conclusions: In general, the prevalence of headache decreases with age. However, older women suffer from more frequent attacks and older participants take analgesics on more days per month than younger participants. This might put them at risk of medication overuse which may lead to medication overuse headache. More research is needed to understand these specifics in headache frequency and treatment behavior in older people.

13 Effects of Benzodiazepines on Orthostatic Blood Pressure in Older People

Abstract Background Older people taking benzodiazepines (BDZs) have higher risk of falling, which is mainly attributed to unfavorable drug-related effects on cognition and psychomotor functioning. BDZs may also have hypotensive effects, but evidence concerning the relationship between BDZs and orthostatic blood pressure (BP) behaviour in older people is scarce. We investigated the effects of BDZs on BP response to an orthostatic active stand test. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data from an outpatient research clinic in an Irish university hospital, where people aged 60 or older underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment between August 2007 and May 2009. Non-invasive beat-to-beat orthostatic BP was measured during active stand, with systolic BP assessed at each 10-second interval. Information on regular BDZs use was collected. Factors independently associated with orthostatic systolic BP were investigated using multiple linear regression. Results Of 624 community-dwelling people who underwent a clinic assessment, orthostatic active stand data was collected in 541. Information on regular BDZs use was available in 538 people. Of 538 participants, mean age was 72.7±7.2, 67.7% were female and 33 (6.1%) reported regular use of BDZs. History of falls (p=0.027) and fear of falling (p&lt;0.001) were more prevalent in this subgroup. During active stand, participants on BDZs showed a significantly greater systolic BP drop 10 seconds after the posture change (“immediate” BP drop). No significant differences were detected in orthostatic systolic BP in the latter phases of the active stand. After adjusting for possible confounders, BDZs use was independently associated with a mean immediate systolic BP drop of 12 mmHg after standing. Conclusion BDZs may confer higher risk of an immediate systolic BP drop after standing in older people, which may contribute to their known falls risk. BDZ should be avoided in older people at risk of falling.

Der Kalenderbucheintrag als kommunikative Praktik älterer Schreiber/-innen

Abstract Although some research on the spoken language and conversational behaviour of older people was conducted in Germany between the late 1990 s and the middle of the noughties, the interest in this field seems to have decreased over the last ten years with studies focusing on written texts produced by older people being virtually non-existent. In contrast to the German-speaking context, Anglo-American research on writing by older adults has flourished since the late 1980 s. This study therefore aims to close a research gap by focusing on writing in German in old(er) age and discusses the specific text genre of calendar entries written by older people. The calendar entries are analysed focusing on text-internal and text-external aspects, such as structure, contents, linguistic features and functional aspects.

Older people and home ownership: the intention to relocate

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore older people’s intention to relocate from their primary homes. The study also seeks to understand the policy implications that such intentions may have.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a survey-based design via computer-aided telephone interviews (CATI). The CATI survey was employed to gather information on the behaviour of older people and whether differences exist by gender, age, health immigration status and financial knowledge. The survey-based design is triangulated with the literature on this topic area and policy issues.FindingsThe findings of the study suggest amongst others, that older South Australians overwhelmingly and significantly do not intend to move from their primary home and are content to age in place. This is particularly true as people reach the older stages of life.Originality/valueThe study enhances the understanding of the decision-making environment that older people are exposed to in contemplating relocation from the primary home. More specifically, it shows that factors stated in the literature that deemed to be of importance in the decision to relocate, has no significance in this study and that ageing in place should be used as a policy base.

Physically aggressive behaviors in older people living with cognitive disorders: a systematic scoping review protocol

BackgroundPhysically aggressive behaviors are very common among older people living with cognitive impairment. These behaviors may have significant consequences for family and formal caregivers, as well as for the other people in the older people’s environment, and are also a frequent cause of institutionalization. Two relevant systematic reviews have been published on the subject but do not specifically target physically aggressive behaviors or only focus on care in nursing homes. Moreover, they do not address the causes, associated factors, and consequences of these behaviors, even though these should indeed be considered when developing interventions. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review is to map the state of knowledge on these physically aggressive behaviors with a view to developing personalized interventions. Offering a humanist and relational perspective by which these behaviors may be examined, the Senses Framework will guide this review.MethodsThe scoping review method of Levac, Colquhoun, and O’Brien will be used. Several databases (e.g., CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Grey Literature Report, clinical trials registries) will be searched for literature published in the past 15 years, using a combination of keywords and descriptors. Other data sources will be used to identify non-indexed literature or unpublished results (e.g., articles references, journal tables of content, contact with key authors). The literature will be selected regardless of setting, if it concerns older people, aged 65, or older with cognitive impairment who present physically aggressive behaviors. Data will be extracted systematically by the research team. A quality assessment of the literature will be done to consider this aspect in the data synthesis. A content analysis will be used to synthesize the results.DiscussionNo scoping review has been found on the physically aggressive behaviors of older people living with cognitive impairment in various settings. The results of this review will identify needs for further research and for clinical and training development on this problem from a humanist standpoint.Systematic review registrationCurrently, it is not possible to register a systematic scoping review protocol (e.g., PROSPERO).

Effects of an Intervention Approach Based on the Meanings of Vocal Behaviours in Older People Living with a Major Neurocognitive Disorder: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Vocal behaviours (VB) are frequent in long-term care facilities (LTCF) and have many negative consequences. Interventions to decrease VB have limited clinical impact. Objective: This pilot study aimed to provide preliminary evidence on the effects of an intervention approach based on the meanings of VB in older people living with a neurocognitive disorder in LTCF. Methods: A mixed methods action research study was used. Fourteen triads (n=43) made up of an older person who manifested VB, a family member, and formal caregivers were included. An approach based on the meanings of VB was implemented in five LTCF. Semi-structured interviews took place with some participants. Tools were used at four-time points to measure five variables: the frequency of VB, the well-being of older people, the perceived disruptiveness of VB, the partnership-based decision-making and the empowerment felt by family and formal caregivers. Results: The approach improved the perception of family and formal caregivers toward older people. This led to habit changes that influenced positively the frequency of VB and the well-being of older people. Formal and family caregivers also perceived VB as less disturbing and felt more empowered relatively to VB. The attitude of formal caregivers toward families evolved positively. No other changes were noted on partnership-based decision-making. Discussion and conclusion: This study indicates the potential of this approach to improve the well-being of older people who manifested VB, their families, and formal caregivers. This approach could be implemented in LTCF, tested and adapted for other behaviours.

Association between stroke knowledge, stroke awareness, and preventive behaviors among older people: A cross-sectional study.

In this cross-sectional study, we compared preventive behaviors among Thai people aged >60 years of age, with and without stroke risk, in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, and examined the associations between stroke knowledge and stroke awareness with preventive behaviors in these two groups (n = 422). Participants completed researcher-developed tools, including the Personal Demographic Questionnaire, the Stroke Knowledge Questionnaire, the Awareness of Stroke Risk and Severity Questionnaire, and the Stroke Preventive Behavior Questionnaire. The findings revealed a significantly higher mean score of preventive behaviors in older people with stroke risk than in those without risk. For people with stroke risk, stroke knowledge did not result in a significant association with stroke-preventive behaviors, while stroke awareness did. For those without stroke risk, both stroke knowledge and stroke awareness were significantly associated with stroke-preventive behaviors. Although the stroke-preventive behaviors of both groups were performed appropriately, it is necessary for people with stroke risk to maintain preventive behaviors, and for health professionals to regularly assess them for stroke symptoms and encourage people to be proactive about stroke-preventive behaviors.

A randomised controlled trial of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) essential oils for the treatment of agitated behaviour in older people with and without dementia

ObjectiveLavender and Lemon Balm essential oils are popular in the management of older person agitation due to their ease of application, minimal side effects and low interaction with concurrent medications. This study addressed limitations in the literature to evaluate and compare effectiveness of Lavender and Lemon Balm essential oils on the agitated behaviour of older people with and without dementia living in residential aged care facilities [RACFs]. MethodsForty-nine nursing home residents with dementia (n=39) and without dementia (n=10) exhibiting agitation participated in this study. Participants were randomised to a counterbalanced, repeated measures design experiment that tests the treatments Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Placebo (Sunflower oil). Treatments were administered once daily for two-weeks followed by a two-week washout period before commencing the subsequent treatment. All participants trialed all three treatments over a 10-week period. Data were collected on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). ResultsA significant difference was shown when essential oils effect were compared between the cognitive groups. Post hoc analysis reports Lemon Balm more effective in reducing NPI agitation (p = .04) and CMAI physical non-aggressive behaviour (PNAB) (p = .02) in residents without dementia. Lemon Balm less effective in reducing NPI irritability (p = 0.01) and Lavender more effective in reducing CMAI PNAB (p = 0.04) in dementia. ConclusionThe findings support an opposing effect of Lemon Balm and Lavender in reducing agitated behaviour between the participant cognitive groups. There was no reduction in agitation with treatments when compared to placebo independent of cognitive groups.

Reconstructing Research About Close Relationships in Old Age: A Contribution From Critical Gerontology

Social studies on close relationship (CR) in old age of Western societies present the heterosexual couple as the dominant model of the late CR. Researchers focus mainly on couples in long-term relationships living in a common household. But in Germany, for example, only about half of all men and women between the ages of 65 and 75 live in a marital heterosexual relationship (Federal Statistical Office, 2016). In addition to the increasing change in the bonding behavior of older people, a differentiated picture of CR is already emerging. Accordingly, there are a large number of people for whom other forms of living together in old age are important. In population statistics (multiple) re-married, same-gender or non-marital relationship models in old age are underrepresented although they are particularly relevant in modern societies, for example in East Germany and for younger generations. This article is a critical reflection on the heteronormative view of late-life CR in the current gerontological research that leads to marginalization of older people whose CR does not correspond to this ideal. Heteronormativity refers to the “assumption of two clearly distinguishable, mutually exclusive sexes” according to which heterosexual desire is regarded as natural and normal (Hartmann & Klesse, 2007, p. 7). With a de-constructionist approach the heteronormative foundation of scientific categories can be demonstrated using the example of two gerontological studies. A normativity-critical research practice (Estes, 2011, p. 314; Katz, 1996) can help to make the diversity of late CR visible and support realistic empirical findings in gerontology.

Attitudes to ageing and objectively-measured sedentary and walking behaviour in older people: The Lothian Birth Cohort 1936.

BackgroundProlonged sitting and low activity—both common in older people—are associated with increased mortality and poorer health. Whether having a more negative attitude to ageing is associated with higher levels of these behaviours is unclear.ObjectiveWe investigated the prospective relationship between attitudes to ageing and objectively measured sedentary and walking behaviour.MethodsParticipants were 271 members of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. At age 72 years, participants completed the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire which assesses attitudes on three domains—Psychosocial loss, Physical change and Psychological growth. At age 79 years, participants wore an activPAL activity monitor for seven days. The outcome measures were average daily time spent sedentary, number of sit-to-stand transitions, and step count.ResultsThere were no significant associations between any of the Attitude to Ageing domain scores and time spent sedentary or number of sit-to-stand transitions. In sex-adjusted analysis, having a more positive attitude to ageing as regards Physical change was associated with a slightly higher daily step count, for a SD increment in score, average daily step count was greater by 1.5% (95% CI 0.6%, 2.4%). On further adjustment for potential confounding factors these associations were no longer significant.ConclusionWe found no evidence that attitudes to ageing at age 72 were predictive of sedentary or walking behaviour seven years later. Future studies should examine whether attitudes to ageing are associated with objectively measured walking or sedentary behaviour at the same point in time. The existence of such an association could inform the development of interventions.

Formal caregivers' experiences of aggressive behaviour in older people living with dementia in nursing homes: A systematic review.

The purpose of this study was to investigate formal caregivers' experiences of aggressive behaviour in older people living with dementia in nursing homes. Aggressive behaviour symptoms among older people living with dementia are reported to be prevalent. As aggressive behaviour includes both verbal and physical behaviours, such as kicking, hitting and screaming, it causes an increased burden on formal caregivers. Professionals experiencing this aggression perceived it as challenging, causing physical and psychological damage, leading to anger, stress and depression. A systematic review was conducted. A search of published research studies between 2000 and 2015 was conducted using appropriate search terms. Eleven studies were identified and included in this review. The analysis resulted in four categories: formal caregivers' views on triggers of aggression, expressions of aggression, the effect of aggressive behaviours on formal caregivers and formal caregivers' strategies to address aggression. The results show that aggressive behaviour may lead to negative feelings in formal caregivers and nursing home residents. The results of this study suggest that having the ability to identify triggers possibly assists caregivers with addressing aggressive behaviour. Aggressive behaviour might also affect quality of care. Results from this systematic review indicate that caregivers prefer person-centred strategies to handle aggressive behaviour among older people, while the use of pharmaceuticals and coercion strategies is a last resort.

Leisure-time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Older People: The Influence of Sport Involvement on Behaviour Patterns in Later Life.

Given the dramatic demographic change underway in most industrialized nations, the health of older adults is a major concern, particularly given the prevalence of sedentary behaviours and physical inactivity among ageing populations. Researchers have suggested sport participation in later life promotes other health-related behaviours, however, these relationships are poorly understood. It is possible for individuals to be classified as sufficiently active and still spend most of their day involved in sedentary pursuits. Moreover, there is little information on older sport participants' use of time compared to leisurely active or inactive peers and whether type of physical activity involvement is associated with differences in older adults' behaviour patterns. With this in mind, data from 1,723 respondents (65 years and older) who completed the sport module of the 2010 Canadian General Social Survey–Time Use were used to investigate the influence of physical activity involvement (competitive sport vs. non-competitive sport vs. physically active leisure vs. inactivity) on time spent in leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Results indicated that competitive sport participants spent less time engaging in sedentary behaviours compared to the physically active leisure or inactive respondents; however, sport participants (both competitive and non-competitive) also spent less time engaging in leisure-time physical activities than the physically active leisure group. Implications of these findings to assumptions related to the activity levels of older sport participants, suggestions for future research, and considerations for sport-related interventions aimed at enhancing health in older adulthood are discussed.

Association between Satisfaction with State of Health and Meals, Physical Condition and Food Diversity, Health Behavior, and Perceptions of Shopping Difficulty among Older People Living Alone in Japan.

This study aimed to examine perceptions of shopping difficulty, and the relationships with satisfaction with state of health and meals, physical condition, food diversity and health behavior in older people living alone in Japan. A cross-sectional, multilevel survey was designed. The questionnaire was distributed by mail and self-completed by participants. The sample was drawn from seven towns and cities across Japan. A geographic information system was used to select the sample of older people living alone, by proximity to a supermarket. In total, 2,346 older people (827 men and 1,519 women) completed the questionnaire. The dependent variable was whether shopping was easy or difficult. A logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age, socioeconomic status and proximity of residence to a supermarket using stepwise variable analyses. The response rate was 67.8%. Overall, 14.5% of men and 21.7% of women considered shopping difficult. The stepwise logistic analysis showed that the factors most strongly related to shopping difficulty were a subjective feeling of poor health (men: OR = 3.01, women: OR = 2.16) and lack of satisfaction with meals (men: OR = 2.82, women: OR = 3.69). Other related physical condition and dietary factors were requiring nursing care (men: OR = 3.69, women: OR = 1.54), a high level of frailty, measured using the frailty index score (women: OR = 0.36) and low food diversity score (men: OR = 1.84, women: OR = 1.36). The study found that older people's assessment of their shopping difficulty was related to satisfaction aspects, including a subjective feeling of poor health, and lack of satisfaction with meals, as well as physical condition. These have a greater influence on shopping difficulty than income in both sexes, and proximity to a supermarket in women.