Exploring the context of sedentary behaviour in older adults (what, where, why, when and with whom)

BACKGROUND: Older adults are the most sedentary segment of the population. Little information is available about the context of sedentary behaviour to inform guidelines and intervention. There is a dearth of information about when, where to intervene and which specific behaviours intervention should target. The aim of this exploratory study was to obtain objective information about what older adults do when sedentary, where and when they are sedentary and in what social context. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional data collection. Older adults (Mean age = 73.25, SD ± 5.48, median = 72, IQR = 11) volunteers wore activPAL monitors and a Vicon Revue timelapse camera between 1 and 7 days. Periods of sedentary behaviour were identified using the activPAL and the context extracted from the pictures taken during these periods. Analysis of context was conducted using the Sedentary Behaviour International Taxonomy classification system. RESULTS: In total, 52 days from 36 participants were available for analysis. Participants spent 70.1 % of sedentary time at home, 56.9 % of sedentary time on their own and 46.8 % occurred in the afternoon. Seated social activities were infrequent (6.9 % of sedentary bouts) but prolonged (18 % of sedentary time). Participants appeared to frequently have vacant sitting time (41 % of non-screen sedentary time) and screen sitting was prevalent (36 % of total sedentary time). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable information to inform future interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour. Interventions should consider targeting the home environment and focus on the afternoon sitting time, though this needs confirmation in a larger study. Tackling social isolation may also be a target to reduce sedentary time

Actual versus preferred work status in older workers: Findings from the New Zealand health, work and retirement study

The past two decades have seen a significant increase in labour force participation by older workers, particularly by women and those aged over 65 years. Decisions around work continuation are influenced by financial preparedness for retirement and health status. Also thought to play a part in the work-retirement transition process are work histories, and historically these differ between men and women. For many older workers, employment preferences are not realised and this may impact on psychological and financial well-being in later life

Older men and worries - The impact on well-being

The impact of daily worries has been found to affect psychological well-being and self-rated health. However, the research to date has largely focussed on the influence of major life events on well-being and health, and the research available on worries does not specifically relate to older men. The aim of the present research was to investigate the relationship between worries and psychological well-being, and self-rated health in older men. A cross-sectional survey method was used to investigate the research aim. A group of men aged 65 years and over (n = 217), who lived in a small New Zealand city, participated in this study. Results from this research revealed that worries about physical abilities and health were significantly related to a decrease in psychological well-being and self-rated health. Consequently, gerontological nurses are challenged to be cognisant of older men’s concerns about their health and physical ability

NZLSA: Workforce participation and wellbeing in older New Zealanders

The participation of older people in the workforce is considered beneficial for both society and older workers. The past two decades have seen a significant increase in workforce participation by older workers, particularly women and those over the age of 65 years. However, there is still a considerable drop-off in participation rates after 55 years of age. The main determinants of early exit from the workforce are health and wealth. A further factor, quality of work life, which may indirectly influence health status and wealth accumulation, has also been linked to early exit from the workforce. Data from the Health, Work and Retirement study showed that the majority of older workers wanted to continue to work past 65 years of age. However, for many older workers employment preferences are not realised. We present profiles of workforce participation in 2010 from the NZLSA sample, with a focus on socio-demographic and work characteristics, and examine these profiles in relation to a range of indicators of physical, psychological and financial wellbeing. Findings will be discussed with reference to policies that help enable older workers to realise their preferences for workforce participation.falsePublishedAuckland, New Zealan

Contribution of retirement-related variables to well-being in an older male sample

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A study of older adults: Observation of ranges of life satisfaction and functioning

Levels of daily functioning and life satisfaction in older people are investigated in this study. Surveys and interviews included 425 people aged 65+ and comparisons were made between three age groups (ages 65-74, 75-84, 85 +) on levels of activity, independence and social support; satisfaction with levels of independence, activity and social support and overall life satisfaction, Results indicated that those aged 85+ had significantly lower levels of activity and independence than those in the two younger age groups. Differences were found in 8 of 12 domains of independence and in outdoor work and mobility activities. The oldest age group was also found to be significantly less satisfied with their levels of independence and activity than were the younger age groups. No significant differences were found between the groups in overall life satisfaction. Levels of activity and independence, satisfaction with social support and satisfaction with independence were found to make unique contributions to t to the prediction of variance in overall life satisfaction. Findings are important in understanding what to expect of ourselves and others as we age, which daily activities are likely to be most difficult for older people and what factors are predictors of overall life satisfaction.falsePublishe