The Relationship of Sitting Time and Physical Activity on the Quality of Life in Elderly People

Association between Quality of Life, Confinement, and Sex in Adults: A Multigroup Structural Equation Analysis

The state of confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of life of the general population. This study aims to define and contrast an explanatory model of the quality of life in adults and to analyze the relationships between these variables based on the state of confinement and sex. A total of 872 people from Chile aged between 17 and 50 (M = 21.70 years; SD= 3.272), of both sexes (60.90% male and 39.1% female) participated in this research, of whom 46.6% were not confined when tested and 53.4% were confined, analyzing the quality of life. A model of multi-group structural equations was performed, which adjusted very well (χ2 = 559.577; DF = 38; p < 0.001; IFC = 0.934; NFI = 0.916; IFI = 0.934; RMSEA = 0.061). The results show a positive and direct relationship among all the variables studied and the structural equation model proposed according to confinement and sex reveals a good fit in all the evaluation indexes. Stress and sleep, personality, and introspection were the indicators with the greatest influence in the four models, followed by the family and friends indicator with a medium correlation strength, such as the health monitoring dimension, although this was not as influential in confined individuals. The main conclusions are that the best adjustments are obtained in confined adults and females, and the data show that the psychological indicators obtained (stress and sleep, personality, and introspection) have the greatest influence on adults in the four models proposed with regard to their quality of life.

Pain in the Context of Virtual Neuropsychological Assessment of Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

Pain and cognitive impairment are prevalent and often co-occur in older adults. Because pain may negatively affect cognitive test performance, identification of pain in the context of neuropsychological evaluation is important. However, pain detection based on self-report presents challenges, and pain is often under-detected in this population. Alternative methods (e.g., video-based automatic coding of facial biomarkers of pain) may facilitate pain identification and thus enhance interpretation of neuropsychological evaluation results.

METHOD

The current study examined pain in the context of virtual neuropsychological assessment in 111 community-dwelling older adults, first seeking to validate the use of software developed to automatically code biomarkers of pain. Measures of pain, including self-report of acute and chronic pain and automatic coding of pain, were compared while participants completed neuropsychological testing.

RESULTS

Self-reported pain was negatively associated with poorer performance on a measure of executive function (both acute and chronic pain) and a global cognitive screening measure (acute pain only). However, self-reported acute and chronic pain did not correlate significantly with most neuropsychological tests. Automatic coding of pain did not predict self-report of pain or performance on neuropsychological tests beyond the influence of demographic factors and psychological symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Though results were largely not significant, correlations warrant further exploration of the influence of pain on neuropsychological test performance in this context to ensure that pain does not influence test performance in individuals with higher levels of pain and in other samples.

Factors Associated with Elderly Health-Related Quality of Life in Tibet: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Health Ecological Perspective

Background

Aging and its consequences are receiving considerable global attention in developed and developing countries. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of elderly individuals is crucial for public health and social welfare. Despite advances in understanding the health status of the elderly population in Tibet, a region located on China's southwest border, a significant research gap remains regarding their HRQoL.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Tibet, China, in 2018, which thoroughly examined HRQoL and its determinants in individuals aged 60 and above. The EQ-5D-VAS instrument, consisting of two standardized scales (EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS), was utilized to measure HRQoL. We based the selection of potential determinants on a novel health ecological model encompassing various environmental and personal factors. We employed the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression to systematically pinpoint key predictive factors for dimensionality reduction. The Tobit regression analysis further elucidated the relationship between these factors and the EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-index scores.

Results

Our study encompassed 1604 elderly participants. They presented varying severity levels across all five dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L. The most commonly observed issue was pain/discomfort, with a prevalence of 40.27%. The average EQ-VAS score was 56.15 (SD=21.15), and the mean EQ-5D-index score was 0.78 (SD=0.25). Our multivariate analysis revealed that determinants such as age, sex, number of chronic illnesses, vision problems, hearing problems, physical activity, employment status, social participation, place of residence, and insurance type were significantly associated with HRQoL.

Conclusion

The HRQoL of Tibet's elderly population presents significant concerns, especially given the region's challenging natural conditions. This underscores the urgent need for focused policy interventions at the socio-economic strata to extend vital support and aid.

A systematic review examining associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep duration with quality of life in older adults aged 65 years and above

This systematic review examined the associations between movement behaviours (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep duration) and quality of life (QOL) in adults ≥65 years of age. Four databases were searched in June 2021. Studies were eligible for inclusion if published within the last 20 years, peer-reviewed, examined apparently healthy older adults, and analysed ≥2 movement behaviours together. QOL was represented by the World Health Organization Quality of Life measure which conceptualizes QOL by distinct domains. Study results were categorized and presented by domain. Risk of bias was completed for all included studies using methods described in the Cochrane Handbook. Thirty-one studies with 307 292 participants were included that examined QOL outcomes across seven domains: superdomain (composite measures), perceived physical health, mental and psychological states, level of independence, social relationships, environment, and general health. Findings indicated that moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was favourably associated with QOL. Time re-allocation studies that showed moving time into physical activity from sedentary behaviour were associated with favourable QOL changes. The evidence regarding sedentary behaviour and sleep duration was inconsistent. The quality of evidence was very low for all domains. In conclusion, there is consistent evidence that physical activity improves QOL in adults ≥65 years of age. International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration No.: CRD42021260566.

Correlation between Employee Performance, Well-Being, Job Satisfaction, and Life Satisfaction in Sedentary Jobs in Slovenian Enterprises

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between employees' work performance and their well-being, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction in sedentary jobs in Slovenian enterprises using a mixed-methods research design. The quantitative component of the research included the responses to four selected questionnaires of 120 employees in 22 identified enterprises (out of 81), with more than 20 employees, having more than 85 percent sedentary jobs. Each of four questionnaires was chosen to cover one area of enquiry under the research foci of work performance, job satisfaction, life satisfaction and well-being. The statistical program STATA was used for data analyses. The analysis shows statistically significant positive correlations between employee performance and job satisfaction (r = 0.35), employee performance and life satisfaction (r = 0.28), life satisfaction and well-being (r = 0.33), and job satisfaction and well-being, whereas the correlation between well-being and work performance did not prove to be statistically significant. The qualitative component of the mixed-methods research design included systematic observation combined with one-to-one discussions. The results indicated that job satisfaction and life satisfaction are more significant in determining work performance in sedentary jobs than employee well-being and that being unwell is still considered a sign of weakness; therefore, employees who are unwell do not want to expose themselves and refuse to cooperate in activities and studies about well-being. Further research examining the impact on work performance of organizational climate measurements in sedentary jobs is recommended.

Sleep Quality and Quality of Life Among Older Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Although home confinement reduces the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, it may negatively impact the psychological and physical health of older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The present study attempted to describe the quality of life (QoL) of older adults before and during the COVID-19 outbreak focus on evaluating QoL, physical activity, sitting time, and sleep quality during home confinement.

METHOD

The present study was conducted in 1,063 older adults (91% females) enrolled in a Brazilian social program. They were interviewed for QoL (EQ-5D), physical activity (international physical activity questionnaire-short vision), and sleep quality [Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)] after 11.6 ± 2.4 weeks of confinement. Logistic regression confirmed changes in QoL.

RESULTS

The QoL (86.5 ± 14.7) decreased significantly during confinement (66.0 ± 21.0; P < 0.001), whereas the PSQI global score was 6.8 ± 3.9 points. Older adults spent 18.7 ± 29.8 min/day in moderate to vigorous physical activity, whereas they spent 325.5 ± 144.4 min/day sitting. The PSQI global score [odds ratio (OR): 1.10], sitting time (OR: 1.001), and diseases (OR: 1.23) were significantly associated with low QoL (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Confinement has a deleterious effect on QoL, which is influenced by quality of sleep, sitting time, and disease. Awareness regarding the significance of sleep and physical exercise in older adults can mitigate the damage to their health during confinement.

Physical activity levels associated with insomnia and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Previous evidence suggested that physical activity had beneficial effects on psychopathological symptoms, insomnia, or depressive symptoms in people with schizophrenia. This study investigated the association between physical activity levels and insomnia and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia (CS).

METHODS

179 participants were enrolled. We used the 30-item Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS_-30) to assess the psychopathological symptoms. We used the Insomnia Severity Index scale (ISI) and 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) to evaluate insomnia and depressive symptoms. Daily physical activity time less than 30 min, within 30-60 min, and more than 60 min were defined as physical inactivity, moderate physical activity, and vigorous physical activity, respectively. The Chi-square test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Mann-Whitney U-test were applied for categorical, continuous, and non-normal distribution variables, respectively. The Pearson or Spearman's correlation analyses were utilized to examine the association between physical activity levels, ISI total scores, HAMD total scores, and socio-demographic and clinical variables. Finally, socio-demographic variables with a P-value < 0.05 in the comparison between insomnia/depressive group and non-insomnia/depressive group were considered for inclusion in binary logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between physical activity levels and insomnia or depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

The ISI total scores (r = -0.247, P = 0.001) and HAMD total scores (r = -0.312, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with physical activity levels. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, higher depressive factor scores, and lower physical activity level were influential factors of insomnia symptoms in CS patients (P < 0.05). In addition, vigorous physical activity (compared with physical inactivity) and higher negative and depressive factor scores were independently associated with depressive symptoms in CS patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Physical activity levels were influential factors in comorbid insomnia and depressive symptoms in CS patients. Given the benefits of physical activity, it should be strengthened as a routine adjunct to clinical treatment or psychiatric care so as to improve the physical and mental health of patients with psychiatric symptoms.

Metabolic Syndrome and Psychological Effects of Exercise in Hemodialysis Patients

Metabolic syndrome (MS) and anxiety disorders are common problems among hemodialysis patients (HD). However, there have been no studies defining the role of physical activity in reducing anxiety in HD patients with MS. This study was aimed to determine the effects on the severity of anxiety of a four-week rehabilitation program for HD patients, with or without metabolic syndrome (MS), planned and adapted to their abilities. The study was single-center, interventional, non-randomized, and prospective. Fifty-eight individuals completed the project (28 HD patients and 30 controls (C) with normal kidney function). Each group was divided into two subgroups with respect to MS. The mean age of the subjects in the HD and C groups was 56.9 ± 13.3 years (x¯ ± SD) and 61.5 ± 8.3 years (x¯ ± SD), respectively. Planned and adapted to the patient's abilities, the rehabilitation program based on physiotherapy was provided to each subject for 4 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention determined anxiety levels using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The X1 scale tests state anxiety, and the X2 scale tests trait anxiety. Post-intervention, there was no significant difference in the intensity of state anxiety observed in HD patients compared to C with normal renal function, as observed before the program. After four weeks of regular physical activity planned and adapted to the patient's abilities in an inpatient ward, the level of state anxiety (X1) and trait anxiety (X2) lowered considerably in all HD patients (respectively: 35.1 ± 8.0 vs. 29.2 ± 5.0, p = 0.001 for X1 and 41.8 ± 9.1 vs. 38.1 ± 5.9, p = 0.008 for X2). The rehabilitation program significantly reduced the intensity of state anxiety (X1) in HD patients with MS (35.8 ± 7.9 vs. 29.2 ± 5.1; p = 0.01). The rehabilitation program helped to significantly reduce the intensity of trait anxiety (X2) in HD patients without MS (41.9 ± 10.7 vs. 36.9 ± 5.9; p = 0.04). Four-week physical activity planned and adapted to the patient's abilities reduces the intensity of anxiety in HD patients and controls with normal renal function. HD patients with MS benefit more in terms of reducing perceived state anxiety, and HD patients without MS in terms of reducing trait anxiety.

Relationship of Coping Strategies and Quality of Life: Parallel and Serial Mediating Role of Resilience and Social Participation among Older Adults in Western Philippines

Growing old is frequently linked with various challenges. Hence, it is important to understand how to age successfully. Drawing on the concept that an individual's quality of life (QOL) is influenced by their demographics, coping strategies, resilience, and social participation, the current study reports on the findings of these variables among older adults in the Western Philippines. A total of 392 volunteer older adults were surveyed. Aside from the demographics such as age, gender, marital status, average monthly income, educational attainment, and health status, the data collected also included the 30-item coping strategies for the elderly, 14-item resilience scale, 12-item social participation scale, and 35-item older people's QOL scale. Structural equation modeling was used to verify the parallel and serial mediating role of resilience and social participation within the relationship between coping strategies and QOL. Findings show that coping strategies alone are not enough to improve QOL. The only way to improve QOL is through resiliency, as well as the ability to participate in social activities. In essence, the QOL of older adults can be improved by encouraging them to have more social participation, and at the same time, understand how it takes to become resilient.

Physical Activity and the Improvement of Autonomy, Functional Ability, Subjective Health, and Social Relationships in Women over the Age of 60

Regarding functional ability, autonomy, promotion of social relationships and health, little scientific evidence has been found of physical practice in active women over 60 years of age. Hence, the goal of this study was to assess the functional abilities and autonomy, social relationships and subjective health of physically active older women according to the level of activity practiced. The IPAQ and CUBRECAVI scales were applied to a sample of 257 women between 61 and 93 years old (M = 69.44, SD = 4.61). Statistically significant outcomes were obtained in functional ability and autonomy according to their level of physical activity (p = 0.001): greater satisfaction and frequency of social relationships with a mild level of physical activity (p = 0.011), and statistically significant differences in the degree of satisfaction with their health according to the level of physical activity they practice (p < 0.001). The results showed that those with high physical activity obtained better levels of functional abilities and autonomy. Additionally, dissatisfaction with one's own health is associated with low levels of physical activity. In conclusion, it could be said that the practice of mild physical exercise in older women encourages greater autonomy and functional ability for activities of daily living, which results in independence in everyday life in addition to fostering social links as well as gaining a better satisfaction with their own health, with the socio-emotional benefits that this can bring.

The Comparisons of Physical Functional Performances between Older Adults with and without Regular Physical Activity in Two Different Living Settings

We compared the physical function performances of community-dwelling and day care center older adults with and without regular physical activity (PA). A total of 163 Taiwanese older adults living in rural communities participated. PA habits and physical functional performances were assessed. The participants were divided into community-dwelling (CD) and senior day care (DC) center groups that were further classified into regular physical activity (RPA) and non-physical activity (NPA) subgroups. Comparison took place between subgroups. In the CD group, only the grip strength, pinch strength, and box and blocks test scored significantly better for the participants with regular PA. Muscle strength, flexibility, and three items of functional ability of participants with regular PA were significantly better in the DC group. An active lifestyle contributes to a good old-age life. The effective amount of PA and the reduction of sedentary time should be advocated to prevent frailty and disability in older adults.