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Personal and Environmental Contributors to Sedentary Behavior of Older Adults in Independent and Assisted Living Facilities

Author

Listed:
  • Mary P. Kotlarczyk

    (Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA)

  • Andrea L. Hergenroeder

    (Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA)

  • Bethany Barone Gibbs

    (Department of Health and Human Development, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA)

  • Flor de Abril Cameron

    (Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA)

  • Megan E. Hamm

    (Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA)

  • Jennifer S. Brach

    (Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA)

Abstract

Sedentary behavior is associated with negative health outcomes and unhealthy aging. Older adults are the most sedentary age group, and decreasing sitting time represents an intervention target for improving health. Determinants of sedentary behavior have been examined in older adults living in their own homes, yet less is known about sedentary behavior of older adults in residential care facilities. The purpose of this study was to explore factors contributing to sedentary behavior among residents of independent and assisted living facilities. We conducted eight focus groups with residents ( n = 44) and semi-structured interviews with staff ( n = 6) across four living facilities. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed using an iterative, inductive approach. Three salient themes were identified. Residents and staff both viewed sedentary behavior negatively unless it was in the context of social engagement. Additionally, fear of falling was discussed as a significant contributor to sedentary behavior. Finally, residents felt the community living environment contributed to their sedentary behavior while staff did not. Our findings provide valuable insight for designing targeted interventions for older adults in residential facilities and suggest thinking beyond the individual and considering environmental influences on sedentary behavior in the residential care setting.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary P. Kotlarczyk & Andrea L. Hergenroeder & Bethany Barone Gibbs & Flor de Abril Cameron & Megan E. Hamm & Jennifer S. Brach, 2020. "Personal and Environmental Contributors to Sedentary Behavior of Older Adults in Independent and Assisted Living Facilities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6415-:d:408214
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sebastien F. M. Chastin & Nicole Fitzpatrick & Michelle Andrews & Natalie DiCroce, 2014. "Determinants of Sedentary Behavior, Motivation, Barriers and Strategies to Reduce Sitting Time in Older Women: A Qualitative Investigation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-19, January.
    2. Maria Giné-Garriga & Philippa M. Dall & Marlene Sandlund & Javier Jerez-Roig & Sebastien F. M. Chastin & Dawn A. Skelton, 2020. "A Pilot Randomised Clinical Trial of a Novel Approach to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Care Home Residents: Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of the GET READY Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-18, April.
    3. M. Lauren Voss & J. Paige Pope & Jennifer L. Copeland, 2020. "Reducing Sedentary Time among Older Adults in Assisted Living: Perceptions, Barriers, and Motivators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-11, January.
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