scholarly journals When Adults Don’t Exercise: Behavioral Strategies to Increase Physical Activity in Sedentary Middle-Aged and Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margie E Lachman ◽  
Lewis Lipsitz ◽  
James Lubben ◽  
Carmen Castaneda-Sceppa ◽  
Alan M Jette
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions

Abstract Physical activity is one of the most promising nonpharmacological, noninvasive, and cost-effective methods of health-promotion, yet statistics show that only a small percentage of middle-aged and older adults engage in the recommended amount of regular exercise. This state of affairs is less likely due to a lack of knowledge about the benefits of exercise than to failures of motivation and self-regulatory mechanisms. Many types of intervention programs target exercise in later life, but they typically do not achieve sustained behavior change, and there has been very little increase in the exercise rate in the population over the last decade. The goal of this paper is to consider the use of effective low-cost motivational and behavioral strategies for increasing physical activity, which could have far-reaching benefits at the individual and population levels. We present a multicomponent framework to guide development of behavior change interventions to increase and maintain physical activity among sedentary adults and others at risk for health problems. This involves a personalized approach to motivation and behavior change, which includes social support, goal setting, and positive affect coupled with cognitive restructuring of negative and self-defeating attitudes and misconceptions. These strategies can lead to increases in exercise self-efficacy and control beliefs as well as self- management skills such as self-regulation and action planning, which in turn are expected to lead to long-term increases in activity. These changes in activity frequency and intensity can ultimately lead to improvements in physical and psychological well-being among middle-aged and older adults, including those from underserved, vulnerable populations. Even a modest increase in physical activity can have a significant impact on health and quality of life. Recommendations for future interventions include a focus on ways to achieve personalized approaches, broad outreach, and maintenance of behavior changes.

scholarly journals Religiosity and Perceived Social Support Enhance Older Adults’ Resilience after the 2016 Flood

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 929-929
Author(s):  
Katie Cherry ◽  
Matthew Calamia ◽  
Emily Elliott ◽  
Angelina Cantelli
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related

Abstract In 2016, catastrophic flooding destroyed homes and property across south Louisiana. This study is part of a larger program of research that addresses the role of prior hurricane and flood experiences on current health and well-being in later life. Participants were predominately middle-aged and older adults who varied in current and prior severe weather experiences (M age=49.6 years, age range 18-88 years). All were tested during the immediate aftermath of the 2016 flood (Wave 1; N=223) and most participated in a follow-up assessment 9 (+/- 3) months later (Wave 2; N=202). Cherry et al. (2021) reported that greater flood stressors at Wave 1, such as displacement, flood-related losses, and damage to homes and property, were associated with more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that age, religiosity, and perceived social support would be positively associated with post-flood resilience at the Wave 2 follow-up. Results indicated that age was positively associated with religiosity and resilience, and negatively correlated with symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, faith community involvement, non-organizational religiosity, and religious beliefs and practices were all significantly correlated with post-flood resilience. Perceived social support was positively associated with resilience, and inversely correlated with PTSD symptoms. These data suggest that religiosity and perceived social support are valuable resources that foster post-disaster resilience among middle aged and older adults. Implications of these data for current views on age-related strengths and vulnerabilities after severe weather events are discussed.

548 Predicting Perceived Functional Limitation in Midlife and Older Adulthood: The Role of Sleep and Perceived Control

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A216-A216
Author(s):  
Claire Williams ◽  
Sarah Ghose ◽  
Morgan Reid ◽  
Sahar Sabet ◽  
Ashley MacPherson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality

Abstract Introduction Functional limitations become increasingly common and debilitating as individuals age, potentially impacting several facets of well-being. As such, it is important to understand malleable factors that may potentially impact functional limitation outcomes. Both sleep and perceived control have been linked to the development of functional limitation. The current study sought to clarify the unique contributions of both sleep quality and perceived control to functional limitation status in middle-aged and older adults. Methods Data from the second wave of the Midlife in the United States study were used for the current study. Participants included 527 participants (59.9% female, Mage=59.83 years, SD=9.75 years) who completed measures of functional limitation levels (Functional Status Questionnaire), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index), and perceived control (MIDI Sense of Control Scales). A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine sleep quality and perceived control as predictors in a unique model for predicting functional limitation. Demographic variables of age, gender, and race were used as covariates in study analyses. Results The overall model predicted 19.0% of the variance in functional limitation levels. Sleep quality was significantly associated with self-reported functional limitation (β=-.27, p<.001) over and above perceived control (β=.20, p<.001). Specifically, findings indicate that worse sleep quality is associated with increased functional limitation, while higher levels of perceived control are associated with lower levels of functional limitation. Conclusion Though perceived control is known to be associated with functional limitation status, the present study suggests a unique effect of sleep quality on functional limitation even after accounting for perceived control. Due to the potential for negative effects of functional limitation in middle-aged to older adults, it is important to identify and target constructs for research and intervention related to the development of these limitations. Care models for individuals who report experiencing functional limitations may benefit from targeting sleep health and control beliefs in intervention and assessment. Support (if any):

scholarly journals Engagement Features in Physical Activity Smartphone Apps: Focus Group Study With Sedentary People (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco D'Addario ◽  
Dario Baretta ◽  
Francesco Zanatta ◽  
Andrea Greco ◽  
Patrizia Steca
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Physical Activity Participation ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions ◽  
Participation Motives

BACKGROUND Engagement with physical activity mobile apps has been reported to be a core precondition for their effectiveness in digital behavior change interventions. However, to date, little attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives, needs, expectations, and experiences of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the features that are judged to be important for engagement with a physical activity mobile app and the reasons for their importance. METHODS A qualitative focus-group methodology with elements of co-design was adopted in this study. Participants reporting sedentary lifestyles and willingness to improve their physical activity behavior through mobile technology were recruited. The focus group sessions consisted of 13 participants (8 men and 5 women, mean [SD] age 41.9 [7.1] years). Two researchers conducted the data analysis independently by using the inductive thematic approach. RESULTS Four main themes emerged in relation to the research question and were named as follows: “physical activity participation motives,” “autonomy and self-regulation,” “need for relatedness,” and “smart.” Additionally, 2 subthemes originated from “physical activity participation motives” (ie, “medical guidance” and “weight loss and fitness for health”) and “smart” (ie, “action planning” and “adaptable and tailored”). CONCLUSIONS Features enhancing autonomy and self-regulation and positively affecting health and physical well-being as well as the need for relatedness, adaptability, and flexibility should be considered as core elements in the engagement of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. The emerged findings may orient future research and interventions aiming to foster engagement of potential users with physical activity apps.

scholarly journals Engagement Features in Physical Activity Smartphone Apps: Focus Group Study With Sedentary People

10.2196/20460 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e20460
Author(s):  
Marco D'Addario ◽  
Dario Baretta ◽  
Francesco Zanatta ◽  
Andrea Greco ◽  
Patrizia Steca
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Physical Activity Participation ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions ◽  
Participation Motives

Background Engagement with physical activity mobile apps has been reported to be a core precondition for their effectiveness in digital behavior change interventions. However, to date, little attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives, needs, expectations, and experiences of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the features that are judged to be important for engagement with a physical activity mobile app and the reasons for their importance. Methods A qualitative focus-group methodology with elements of co-design was adopted in this study. Participants reporting sedentary lifestyles and willingness to improve their physical activity behavior through mobile technology were recruited. The focus group sessions consisted of 13 participants (8 men and 5 women, mean [SD] age 41.9 [7.1] years). Two researchers conducted the data analysis independently by using the inductive thematic approach. Results Four main themes emerged in relation to the research question and were named as follows: “physical activity participation motives,” “autonomy and self-regulation,” “need for relatedness,” and “smart.” Additionally, 2 subthemes originated from “physical activity participation motives” (ie, “medical guidance” and “weight loss and fitness for health”) and “smart” (ie, “action planning” and “adaptable and tailored”). Conclusions Features enhancing autonomy and self-regulation and positively affecting health and physical well-being as well as the need for relatedness, adaptability, and flexibility should be considered as core elements in the engagement of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. The emerged findings may orient future research and interventions aiming to foster engagement of potential users with physical activity apps.

Physical Activity and Dimensions of Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults

2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aphrodite Stathi ◽  
Kenneth R. Fox ◽  
James McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Negative Function ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Cross Case Analysis ◽  
The Relationship

Using a qualitative approach, the dimensions of subjective well-being of active older adults were outlined and ways identified through which they might be influenced by participation in physical activities. One-to-one and group interviews were used to collect the data. Using cross-case analysis, 17 main themes were identified. The following main dimensions emerged: developmental, material, physical, mental, and social well-being. The findings indicated that physical activity influences all dimensions of the subjective well-being of older adults, with the exception of material well-being. Physical activity appears to contribute to the mental health of older adults through maintenance of a busy and active life, mental alertness, positive attitude toward life and avoidance of stress, negative function, and isolation. The complexity of subjective well-being and the multiple roles of physical activity stress the need to extend qualitative research to sedentary older adults and the institutionalized elderly to explore the relationship between well-being and physical activity in later life.

scholarly journals Engaging Senior Adults with Technology for Behavior Change

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlijn VALK ◽  
Peter LOVEI ◽  
Ya-Liang CHUANG ◽  
Yuan LU ◽  
Pearl PU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Service System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Product Service System ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Product Service

Amidst today’s ever-expanding waistlines there is a clear need to investigate technology’s potential to support behavior change and stimulate increased physical activity. Physical activity has also been shown to increase the independence and well-being of older adults, yet an important segment of this community is often excluded from the necessary in-context research due to the barriers they face to technology acceptance. Currently, there is limited knowledge on how to overcome these barriers to participation. We created a specific Product Service System that supports older adults to engage with the proposed technological interventions to enable important in-context behavior change research. Our approach converges knowledge from the domains of living laboratories, co-design, and existing experience of design research with older adults. From our experiences with this Product Service System, we provide guidelines to support other researchers setting-up a living laboratory study with older adults to explore technology’s potential to motivate behavior change.

scholarly journals How can interventions increase motivation for physical activity? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keegan Phillip Knittle ◽  
Johanna Nurmi ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Nelli Hankonen ◽  
Marguerite Beattie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Stage Of Change ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Motivational Constructs ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions

Motivation is a proximal determinant of behavior in many psychological theories, and increasing motivation is central to most behavior change interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to fill a gap in the literature by identifying features of behavior change interventions associated with favorable changes in three prominent motivational constructs: intention, stage of change and autonomous motivation. A systematic literature search identified 88 intervention studies (N = 18,804) which assessed changes in at least one of these motivational constructs for physical activity (PA). Intervention descriptions were coded for potential moderators, including behavior change techniques (BCTs), modes of delivery and theory use. Random effects comparative subgroup analyses identified 19 BCTs and 12 modes of delivery associated with changes in at least one motivational outcome. Interventions which were delivered face-to-face or in gym settings, or which included the BCTs problem solving, self-monitoring of behavior or behavioral practice/rehearsal, or which included the combination of self-monitoring of behavior with any other BCTs derived from control theory, were all associated with beneficial changes in multiple motivational constructs. Meta-regression analyses indicated that increases in intention and stage of change, but not autonomous motivation, were related to increases in PA. The intervention characteristics identified here as effective in changing motivation seemed to form clusters related to behavioral experience and self-regulation, which have previously been linked to changes in behavior as well. These BCTs and modes of delivery merit further systematic study, and could be used as a foundation for improving interventions targeting increases in motivation for PA.

scholarly journals Daily Steps Buffer the Impact of Daily Stress on Mood in Youth and Middle-aged/Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 845-846
Author(s):  
Daniel Fleming ◽  
Yin Liu ◽  
Myles Maxey ◽  
Elizabeth Braungart Fauth ◽  
Troy Beckert
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Developmental Phase ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Daily Stress ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Physical activity has known associations with lower stress and improved well-being. These studies often include samples from one developmental phase at a time, which is helpful for researchers in those developmental areas, but less informative for identifying predictors of health and well-being across the lifespan. The current study examined whether protective aspects of physical activity (steps) on stress and mood worked similarly in widely different age cohorts. We also examined these relationships at the daily level, as opposed to global/macro levels. Participants (n = 119, 67% female) were 44 adolescents between 13-18 years (Mage (SD) = 15.73 (1.48) years, 57% female) and 77 middle-aged/older adults between 55-76 years (Mage (4.97) = 59.67, 74% female). They self-reported global life satisfaction and demographic characteristics at baseline and completed ecological momentary assessments (three per day for three consecutive days, across six measurement bursts, each spaced two weeks apart) via smart phones, reporting on their mood, stressor exposures/types, and end-of-day pedometer step count. Multilevel models showed that daily steps had protective effects against social network stressors on both daily mood and life satisfaction, such that more steps weakened the negative relationship between network-related stressors, mood, and life satisfaction. This protective effect was uniform for both older and younger adults, and across boys/men and girls/women. Overall, the present study suggested the importance of physical activity, even that of general step count, on buffering daily stress on daily mood and general life satisfaction for participants at multiple phases of the lifespan.

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