A review of the assessment and prevalence of sedentarism in older adults, its physiology/health impact and non-exercise mobility counter-measures

Abstract

This literature review focuses on aspects of sedentary behaviour (SB) in elderly. Since it has been identified as a distinct health risk, independent of physical activity, SB is a significant issue. This is particularly true for an ageing population as evidence shows that older adults (aged ≥65 years) are the most sedentary age group (on average 8.5–9.6 h daily sitting time). Accurate SB assessment is important for understanding this habitual behaviour and its impact. However, SB measurement is challenging, regardless of the method used. Although negative associations of SB in elderly have been reported for several health outcomes, evidence is inconclusive, apart from the evidence on the adverse SB effect on the all-cause mortality rate. Generally, strategies have been proposed to counteract SB, of which breaking prolonged sedentary bouts with at least light-intensity physical activity seems to be the most promising. Overall, further research in elderly is required to increase the evidence and to either support or refute the current findings. Moreover, further research will help to develop informed SB guidelines for an optimal strategy to counteract SB and its health effects in older adults.

Changes in non-occupational sedentary behaviours across the retirement transition: the Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) study

“…Sedentary behaviour, defined as any waking behaviour characterised by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) while in a sitting or reclining posture,1 is highly prevalent among adult population 2. Older adults are the most sedentary age group spending 65%–80% of their wake time on sedentary behaviours 3.…”

Relationships between muscle size, strength, and physical activity in adults with muscular dystrophy

“…34 In MD, PA may help to maintain muscle mass and strength, conversely, SB is likely to accelerate muscle atrophy through disuse, as well as promote other associated health risks such as increased fat mass, diabetes, and heart disease. [35][36][37][38] However, despite the lack of current knowledge and understanding of PA in MD, the importance of exercise and interventions is becoming more and more apparent within MD. Morse et al 26 highlighted the strong associations between bone health and lifetime PA in MD.…”

A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity

“…While most sedentary behaviors are well-established risk factors for mortality in older individuals (Wullems et al, 2016; de Rezenade et al, 2014, Katzmaryk & Lee, 2012; Muennig, Rosen, & Johnson, 2013), previous studies of a behavior which is often sedentary, reading, have had mixed outcomes. That is, some found that reading reduces the risk of mortality (Agahi & Parker, 2008; Jacobs, Hammerman-Rozenberg, Cohen, & Stessman, 2008), whereas others found that it has no effect (Bygren, Konlaan & Johansson, 1996; Menec, 2003).…”