Magnitude and Composition of Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults Living in a Retirement Community

Emerson Sebastião, Joshua Pak, David Benner, Priscila M. Nakamura, Camila B. Papini

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

High amount of sedentary behavior (SB) has been associated with a multitude of adverse health events in older adults. There are limited data regarding SB in older adults living in retirement communities (RC). This study described the magnitude and composition of SB [non-screen sedentary time (NSST) and screen sedentary time (SST)] in older adults living in a RC and documented variation in this behavior as a function of demographic, health, health behavior and clinical variables. This cross sectional descriptive study enrolled and assessed 100 older males and females living a RC located in the Midwest region of United States. Participants completed a questionnaire for sample characterization and a SB questionnaire. Metric of SB (i.e., TST, NSST and SST) were analyzed overall and separated by the variables of interest. Participants reported on average 10 h/day of sedentary activity (65% on NSST and 35% on SST). Older adults reported to spend most of their awaking hours in activities such as reading, watching TV and computer use. Significant variations on NSST and SST were observed for gender, BMI, perceived health, mobility aid use and number of chronic diseases. These findings may help in the development of tailored strategies and interventions focusing on reducing SB in this particular under-researched subgroup.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)805-814
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Community Health
Volume44
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 15 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Elderly
  • Health lifestyle
  • Senior living residence
  • Sitting time

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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