1
|
Mahanna A, Howell BM, Worthington AK, Redmond LC, Hiratsuka VY. Fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and functional fitness among older adults in urban Alaska. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2359164. [PMID: 38807560 PMCID: PMC11138220 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2359164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Older adults often face barriers to obtaining recommended diet, physical activity, and fitness levels. Understanding these patterns can inform effective interventions targeting health beliefs and behavior. This cross-sectional study included a multicultural sample of 58 older adults (aged 55+ years, M=71.98) living in independent senior housing in urban Southcentral Alaska. Participants completed a questionnaire and the Senior Fitness Test that assessed self-reported fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, self-efficacy, and functional fitness. T-tests and bivariate correlation analyses were used to test six hypotheses. Results indicated that participants had low physical activity but had a mean fruit and vegetable intake that was statistically significantly higher than the hypothesized "low" score. Only 4.26% of participants met functional fitness standards for balance/agility, and 8.51% met standards for lower-body strength. However, 51.1% met standards for upper-body strength and 46.8% met standards for endurance The results also indicated that nutrition self-efficacy and exercise self-efficacy were positively related to fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity levels, respectively. Interestingly, income was not related to nutrition or activity patterns. These data complicate the picture on dietary and physical activity patterns for older adults in Alaska and offer recommendations for future health promotion activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allexis Mahanna
- Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Britteny M. Howell
- Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
- National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Leslie C. Redmond
- Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Vanessa Y. Hiratsuka
- National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Research, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stalling I, Gruber M, Bammann K. Sex differences in physical functioning among older adults: cross-sectional results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1766. [PMID: 38956507 PMCID: PMC11221023 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19218-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining good functional ability is a key component of healthy ageing and a basic requirement for carrying out activities of daily living, staying independent, and delaying admission to a nursing home. Even though women have a higher life expectancy and slower age-related muscle mass loss than men, they often show a higher prevalence of limitations in physical functioning. However, the reasons behind these sex differences are still unclear. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate sex differences among older adults regarding physical functioning and to study which factors are explaining these sex differences. METHODS Cross-sectional data from participants of the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study residing in Bremen, Germany, aged 65 to 75 years, were included in the analyses. Physical functioning was assessed via a self-administered questionnaire using the SF-36 10-item Physical Functioning Scale. Social, lifestyle, and health-related factors were also assessed using the questionnaire. Physical activity was measured objectively using wrist-worn accelerometers over seven consecutive days. Descriptive analyses with absolute and relative frequencies, means and standard deviations, as well as T-tests and chi-square tests were carried out. To test for associations between sex, physical functioning, and several individual factors, linear regressions were performed. RESULTS Data of 2 141 participants (52.1% female) were included in the study. Women and men showed statistically significant differences in physical functioning, with men perceiving fewer limitations than women. On average, women had a physical functioning score of 81.4 ± 19.3 and men 86.7 ± 17.0. Linear regression showed a statistically significant negative association between physical functioning score and sex (β: -0.15, 95% CL: -0.19, -0.10). The association remained statistically significant when adding individual factors to the model. All factors together were only able to explain 51% of the physical functioning-sex association with health indicators and the presence of chronic diseases being the most influential factors. CONCLUSIONS We found sex differences in physical functioning, with older women having more limitations than older men. The results showed that health-related factors and chronic diseases played the biggest roles in the different physical functioning scores of women and men. These findings contribute to future longitudinal, more in-depth research. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00015117 (Date of registration 17-07-2018).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imke Stalling
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 2a, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Martin Gruber
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 2a, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Karin Bammann
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), University of Bremen, Grazer Straße 2a, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang D, Lee JM, Yang SH, Cho KH, Kim J. Socioeconomic status and physical activity disparities in older adults: Implications for COVID-19 related diabetes cognitive dysfunction. Prev Med Rep 2024; 43:102772. [PMID: 38952432 PMCID: PMC11216005 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to investigate the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on variations in physical activity (PA) levels and diabetes-related cognitive dysfunction and impairment amidst disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods With the sample of old population, comprising about 20 thousand from the Fact-Finding Survey on the Status of Senior Citizens (FSSSC) released by Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea in 2017 and 2020, we empirically tested the direct and indirect effects of SES on cognitive dysfunction using structural equation modeling (SEM). Two SEMs provided the comparison on the effects of COVID-19. Results Household income had a negative impact on the likelihood of dementia diagnosis via PA related diabetes during the pandemic (p < 0.001), whereas no effects of household income on dementia diagnosis were found in 2017, due to no direct effect of PA on diabetes confirmation in 2017. The disparity in PA based on SES becomes more prominent among the older individuals during the pandemic (z = 11.7) than 2017 (z = 6.0), emphasizing the significance of PA in mitigating diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction during the pandemic. SES affects access to PA, contributing to diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunctions in the older population with lower SES during the pandemic. Conclusion PA may serve as a preventive measure against diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction and dementia in the older population. Thorough investigation of these mechanisms is imperative to establish the role of PA in preventing diabetes-induced cognitive impairment, particularly among the older population with lower SES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongwoo Yang
- Center for Regional Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jung-Min Lee
- Department of Physical Education, Kyung-Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Seo-Hyung Yang
- School of Global Sports Studies, Korea University, Sejong, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Hun Cho
- Department of Physical Education, Kyung-Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Jahyun Kim
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moosburger R, Manz K, Richter A, Mensink GBM, Loss J. Climate protection, health and other motives for active transport - results of a cross-sectional survey in Germany. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1505. [PMID: 38840057 PMCID: PMC11151542 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18609-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active transport- for example walking and bicycling to travel from place to place- may improve physical fitness and health and mitigate climate change if it replaces motorised transport. The aim of this study is to analyse the active transport behaviour of adults living in Germany, to investigate differences among population groups and to determine whether climate protection is a frequent motive for this behaviour. METHODS This study uses self-reported data of 4,971 adults who participated in a national health survey (German Health Update 2021), which was conducted as a telephone survey from July to December 2021. Associations between active transport behaviour and corresponding motives with sociodemographic and health-related variables were analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Of the adult population, 83% use active transport at least once a week. The frequency and duration of walking per week are significantly higher than those for bicycling (walking 214 min/week; bicycling 57 min/week). Those with a lower education level are less likely to practise active transport than those with a higher education level. Furthermore, women are less likely to use a bicycle for transport than men. Among those practising active transport, the most frequently mentioned motive is "is good for health" (84%) followed by "to be physically active" (74%) and "is good for the climate/environment" (68%). Women and frequent bicyclists (at least 4 days/week) mention climate protection as a motive more often than men and those bicycling occasionally. CONCLUSIONS The improvement of active transport, especially among people with lower education and women (for bicycling), may benefit from better insights into motives and barriers. Climate protection is an important motivator for practising active transport within the adult population living in Germany and should therefore have greater emphasis in behavioural change programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Moosburger
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kristin Manz
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Almut Richter
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gert B M Mensink
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julika Loss
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Manninen S, Tilles-Tirkkonen T, Aittola K, Männikkö R, Karhunen L, Kolehmainen M, Schwab U, Lindström J, Lakka T, Pihlajamäki J. Associations of Lifestyle Patterns with Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Finnish Adults at Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300338. [PMID: 38308150 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Various lifestyle and sociodemographic factors have been associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, their combined associations with T2D risk factors have been studied much less. MATERIALS AND RESULTS This study investigates cross-sectional associations of lifestyle patterns with T2D risk factors among 2925 adults at increased risk participating in the Stop Diabetes study. Lifestyle patterns are determined using principal component analysis (PCA) with several lifestyle and sociodemographic factors. The associations of lifestyle patterns with measures of glucose and lipid metabolism and serum metabolites analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are studied using linear regression analysis. "Healthy eating" pattern is associated with better glucose and insulin metabolism, more favorable lipoprotein and fatty acid profiles and lower serum concentrations of metabolites related to inflammation, insulin resistance, and T2D. "High socioeconomic status and low physical activity" pattern is associated with increased serum concentrations of branched-chain amino acids, as are "Meat and poultry" and "Sleeping hours" patterns. "Snacks" pattern is associated with lower serum concentrations of ketone bodies. CONCLUSIONS Our results show, in large scale primary care setting, that healthy eating is associated with better glucose and lipid metabolism and reveal novel associations of lifestyle patterns with metabolites related to glucose metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Manninen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Tanja Tilles-Tirkkonen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Kirsikka Aittola
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Reija Männikkö
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Leila Karhunen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Marjukka Kolehmainen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Ursula Schwab
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, KYS, 70029, Finland
| | - Jaana Lindström
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, 00271, Finland
| | - Timo Lakka
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, KYS, 70029, Finland
- Foundation for Research in Health Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, 70100, Finland
| | - Jussi Pihlajamäki
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, KYS, 70029, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McMahon SK, Lewis BA, Guan W, Wang Q, Hayes SM, Wyman JF, Rothman AJ. Effect of Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Behavior Change Strategies on Physical Activity Among Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240298. [PMID: 38421648 PMCID: PMC10905305 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Despite guidelines that recommend physical activity (PA), little is known about which types of behavior change strategies (BCSs) effectively promote sustained increases in PA in older adults who are insufficiently active. Objective To determine whether intrapersonal BCSs (eg, goal setting) or interpersonal BCSs (eg, peer-to-peer sharing or learning) combined with the Otago Exercise Program (17 strength and balance exercises and a walking program that are learned and individually tailored, with instruction to perform 3 times per week at home or location of choice) and a wearable PA monitor help older adults sustain increases in their PA. Design, Setting, and Participants This 2 × 2 factorial randomized clinical trial (Community-Based Intervention Effects on Older Adults' Physical Activity) of community-dwelling older adults 70 years or older with PA levels below minimum national PA guidelines was conducted in urban community centers. Dates of enrollment were from November 17, 2017, to June 15, 2021, with final follow-up assessments completed on September 2, 2022. Interventions Participants were randomized to intrapersonal (eg, goal setting) BCSs, interpersonal (eg, problem-solving with peer-to-peer sharing and learning) BCSs, intrapersonal and interpersonal BCSs, or an attention control group. All interventions included a PA monitor and 8 weekly small-group meetings with discussion, practice, and instructions to implement the exercise program and relevant BCSs independently between meetings and after the intervention. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was daily minutes of objectively measured total PA (light, moderate, or vigorous intensities) averaged over 7 to 10 days, measured at baseline and after the intervention at 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months. Results Among 309 participants (mean [SD] age, 77.4 [5.0] years; 240 women [77.7%]), 305 (98.7%) completed the intervention, and 302 (97.7%) had complete data. Participants receiving PA interventions with interpersonal BCS components exhibited greater increases in total PA than did those who did not at 1 week (204 vs 177 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, 27.1 [95% CI, 17.2-37.0]; P < .001), 6 months (195 vs 175 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, 20.8 [95% CI, 10.0-31.6]; P < .001), and 12 months (195 vs 168 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, 27.5 [95% CI, 16.2-38.8]; P < .001) after the intervention. Compared with participants who did not receive interventions with intrapersonal BCS components, participants who received intrapersonal BCSs exhibited no significant changes in total PA at 1 week (192 vs 190 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, 1.8 [95% CI, -8.6 to 12.2]; P = .73), 6 months (183 vs 187 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, -3.9 [95% CI, -15.0 to 7.1]; P = .49), or 12 months (177 vs 186 PA minutes per day; adjusted difference, -8.8 [95% CI, -20.5 to 2.9]; P = .14) after the intervention. Interactions between intrapersonal and interpersonal BCSs were not significant. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, older adults with low levels of PA who received interpersonal BCSs, the exercise program, and a PA monitor exhibited significant increases in their PA for up to 12 months after the intervention. Intrapersonal BCSs elicited no significant PA changes and did not interact with interpersonal BCSs. Our findings suggest that because effects of a PA intervention on sustained increases in older adults' PA were augmented with interpersonal but not intrapersonal BCSs, approaches to disseminating and implementing the intervention should be considered. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03326141.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth A. Lewis
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Weihua Guan
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | - Jean F. Wyman
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ord AS, Eldridge AH, Netz DR, Kuschel SG, Holland J, Long T, Dumas C, Glover C, Schools M, Stephens R, Magnante AT, Sautter SW. Physical Activity and Neuropsychological Functioning in Older Adults. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2024; 10:23337214241262924. [PMID: 38911221 PMCID: PMC11191622 DOI: 10.1177/23337214241262924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has identified a positive relationship between physical activity and neuropsychological functioning across the lifespan. The present study further examined the relationship between physical activity, depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning in community-dwelling older adults (ages 65-96) who completed an outpatient neuropsychological evaluation (N = 526). Psychometrically sound and validated measures were used to assess depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted to examine differences between individuals who reported regularly engaging in physical activity and those who did not, after adjusting for demographic variables (age, education, and gender). Results indicated that physical activity was associated with better scores on measures of depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning. Effect sizes for total scores on all measures were large, but there was a sizeable range of effect sizes (from small to large) for various cognitive domains. Smallest effect sizes were observed for subtests measuring language skills and visuospatial abilities, whereas largest effect sizes were seen in processing speed and memory. Results suggest that engaging in physical activity may be a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for older adults. These findings underscore the importance of integrating physical activity programs in community and healthcare settings to foster mental and cognitive health in older populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna T. Magnante
- W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Healthcare System, Salisbury, NC, USA
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Scott W. Sautter
- Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
- Hampton Roads Neuropsychology, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jeżewska-Zychowicz M. Lifestyle Variation among the Elderly: Do Nutritional Knowledge and Diet Quality Differ When the Other Lifestyle Components Are Similar? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2057. [PMID: 37895438 PMCID: PMC10608023 DOI: 10.3390/life13102057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Older people's health is strongly determined by their lifestyle, and its deterioration is a cause for concern and calls for effective efforts to slow down the process. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between diet quality and other non-food lifestyle elements. The data were collected in 2017 through a cross-sectional survey among 271 Polish elder citizens. A K-means cluster analysis was applied to separate homogeneous groups by lifestyle components (without diet) and a logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships between identified clusters and sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge and diet quality. Three homogenous clusters were identified, i.e., individuals with moderate physical activity and recommended sleep duration (pro-healthy), with low physical activity (low PA), and with short sleep (short sleep). Gender, age, education, place of residence, BMI, and health-promoting diet index (pHDI) did not differentiate adherence to clusters. The probability of being in the pro-healthy cluster increased with nutritional knowledge and declaring the same or better health status compared to peers, while it decreased when above-average financial status was reported. The obtained results importantly extend the previous findings by showing that the individual elements of lifestyle should be also perceived in the context of others. Further research focused on lifestyle as a whole might considerably support the implementation of multifaceted lifestyle interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Jeżewska-Zychowicz
- Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS), Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang D, Yang SH, Lee JM, Lee JM, Kim J. Effects of socioeconomic status on physical activity and cardiovascular diseases prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the older adults. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1241027. [PMID: 37771823 PMCID: PMC10524274 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1241027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This research seeks to evaluate the repercussions of socioeconomic status (SES) on physical activity (PA) among the older population, both pre and intra-COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to scrutinize whether alteration in PA behaviors based on SES impacts cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It is well established that PA has a significant association with CVDs and the pandemic has restricted PA in the older population. We endeavor to discern whether SES modulates PA levels and whether these levels of PA behavior subsequently influence the incidence of CVDs among older adults. Methods The analytical framework of this study relies on the data procured from the Fact-Finding on the Status of Senior Citizens (FSSSC) survey conducted in 2017 and 2020, involving 10,299 (75 ± 6 years) and 10,097 (74 ± 6 years) participants, respectively. We employ Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to elucidate the ramification of the COVID-19 pandemic on CVDs while accommodating potential mediating and confounding variables, including socioeconomic status, PA levels, body mass index (BMI), and gender, in the context of the pandemic and CVDs. Results Our empirical models indicated a tendency for older adults of lower socioeconomic status (SES) to exhibit diminished levels of physical activity (PA) compared to their counterparts of higher SES, particularly considering the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, prolonged engagement in PA is associated with a reduced risk of hypertension (p = 0.010), and congestive heart failure & arrhythmia (p < 0.001), when accounting for confounding factors. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has generated an SES-based disparity in PA among older adults, despite PA time being greater in older individuals with higher SES. Interestingly, this did not result in a reduction in CVDs. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for targeted exercise programs may be necessary to mitigate health inequality among the older population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongwoo Yang
- Center for Regional Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Hyung Yang
- School of Global Sports Studies, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Moo Lee
- College of Sport Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Min Lee
- Department of Physical Education, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Jahyun Kim
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alvarez-Lourido D, Paniza Prados JL, Álvarez-Sousa A. Ageing, Leisure Time Physical Activity and Health in Europe. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091247. [PMID: 37174789 PMCID: PMC10178047 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this article is to analyse leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and health-driven motivations to engage in such activity among elderly people in the European Union. We use as a base the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the theory of the correlation between physical activity according to individual factors (age, gender, socio-economic status) and contextual factors (habitat, community infrastructures, the model of the welfare state of the country of residence). Data are taken from Eurobarometer 88.4. The Generalized Structural Equation Model (GSEM) methodology was used, with the STATA program. The results show that 65.3% of EU citizens over the age of 60 engage in some form of LTPA, that 40.4% do so for health reasons, and that only 32.3% engage in LTPA that meets the minimum guidelines set by the WHO. In addition, there are large differences based on individual and contextual characteristics. The following group was found to be those who practice the most: men, with high socio-economic status, belonging to the middle and upper social classes, living in rural areas where there is infrastructure for physical activity, and above all, in the countries of the Nordic model of social welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alvarez-Lourido
- Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, 38010 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - José Luis Paniza Prados
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Political Science and Sociology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Álvarez-Sousa
- Department of Sociology and Communications Sciences, Group of Territorial Studies (GET), Sociology Faculty, University of Coruna, 15071 Coruna, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu H, Sun S, Ling J, Chen H, Liu G. Influence of health literacy on health outcomes of different social strata-- an empirical study based on the data of China's health literacy investigation. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:42. [PMID: 36899382 PMCID: PMC9999621 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01858-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy has always been considered as an important factor to promote people's health, but does it have a significant effect on health across all social strata and especially lower social strata? This study aims to analyze the influences of health literacy on health outcomes of different social strata, and then infer whether improving health literacy can reduce health disparities among different social strata. METHODS Utilizing health literacy monitoring data from a city in Zhejiang Province in 2020, the samples are divided into three social strata according to the socioeconomic status score: low, middle and high social stratum, to compare whether there are significant differences in health outcomes between population with lower and higher health literacy among different social strata. In the strata with significant differences, control the confounding factors to further verify the influence of health literacy on health outcomes. RESULTS In low and middle social strata, there are significant differences between population with lower and higher health literacy, when considering the two types of health outcomes (chronic diseases and self-rated health), but in high social stratum, this difference is not significant. After controlling the relevant variables, the influence of health literacy on the prevalence of chronic diseases is statistically significant only in low social stratum, and the health literacy is negatively correlated with the prevalence of chronic diseases(OR = 0.722, P = 0.022). In addition, there are statistical significances for positive impact of health literacy on self-rated health in both low and middle social strata (OR = 1.285, P = 0.047; OR = 1.401, P = 0.023). CONCLUSION Compared with high social stratum, the influence of health literacy on health outcomes of low social stratum (chronic diseases) or both middle and low social strata (self-rated health) is more significant, and both are to improve the health outcomes. This finding suggests that improving residents' health literacy may be an effective way to alleviate the health disparities among different social strata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Yu
- Jiaxing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siwen Sun
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Ling
- Jiaxing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haixiao Chen
- Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guilin Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tuominen M, Stenholm S, Koski P, Leskinen T. Meanings Attributed to Physical Activity and Changes in Self-Reported and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity among Recent Retirees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15567. [PMID: 36497642 PMCID: PMC9736060 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Retirement poses opportunities and challenges for maintaining and adopting physically active habits, which may have major implications for health and functional ability in later life. Qualitative studies suggest that a broad range of meanings of physical activity should be considered when promoting physical activity among retirees. The current study utilized the Physical Activity Relationship (PAR) approach to examine the importance of meanings attributed to physical activity and their associations with physical activity over time. A total of 230 recently retired participants (65.2 years old, 83% women) responded to a 54-item inventory assessing the importance of meanings attributed to physical activity at baseline. Eight meaning dimensions were identified through exploratory factor analysis. Differences in their importance across gender and occupational background were examined using t-tests and ANOVA. Associations between meaning dimensions and self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity over 12 months were examined with general linear models. Dimensions defined as Physical Fitness, Positive Mood, and Belonging were positively associated with changes in self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity. Additionally, the importance of several meaning dimensions varied across occupational background. In conclusion, physical activity promotion among retirees should focus on physical fitness, positive mood, and social belonging. Furthermore, meanings attributed to physical activity may vary across occupational backgrounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miika Tuominen
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Sari Stenholm
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Pasi Koski
- Department of Teacher Education, University of Turku, 26101 Rauma, Finland
| | - Tuija Leskinen
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stalling I, Albrecht BM, Foettinger L, Recke C, Bammann K. Meal Patterns of Older Adults: Results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142784. [PMID: 35889741 PMCID: PMC9320477 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Eating habits have a substantial effect on health, not only because of consumed foods and nutrients, but also because of the regularity of meals. This study investigates meal patterns in older adults. Data from 1198 adults (52.8% female) aged between 65 and 75 years, who resided in Bremen, Germany, were included in this cross-sectional study. Using a self-administered questionnaire, daily meals were assessed and categorised into three meal pattern types: ‘regular eaters’ (eating at least three meals a day), ‘meal skippers’ (skipping one meal a day), and ‘irregular eaters’ (skipping more than one meal a day). Descriptive analyses were carried out, stratified by sex and meal pattern types. Most women and men were regular eaters (51.5% and 51.7%, respectively), 33.8% of women and 33.3% of men were meal skippers, and 14.7% of women and 15.0% of men were irregular eaters. Differences between meal patterns were seen with regard to socioeconomic status; self-rated health; body-mass index; hypertension; consumption of self-prepared meals; and consumption of whole-grain products, green vegetables, meat, and alcohol. The results provide first insights into possible associations between meal patterns and sociodemographic and health factors, and can benefit disease prevention and health promotion in older adults.
Collapse
|