Examining the links between regular leisure‐time physical activity, sitting time and prefrailty in community‐dwelling older adults

Abstract

Aims To examine the relationship between leisure‐time physical activity, sitting time and prefrailty in community‐dwelling older adults. Design Cross‐sectional study. Methods Between February and July 2019, 539 individuals over age 60 were recruited in northern Taiwan. Demographic, medical history, physical activity and frailty data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests and logistic regression. Results The prevalence of prefrailty was 24.4%; 33.2% had regular leisure‐time physical activity, and 14.7% reported >6 hrs daily sitting time. Compared with individuals having regular leisure‐time physical activity and shorter sitting times (daily average ≤6 hrs), those having no regular leisure‐time physical activity and also shorter sitting times (adjusted OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.12, 2.92), or those also having regular leisure‐time physical activity but longer sitting times (adjusted OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 2.22, 8.79) had an increased prefrailty risk. Conclusions Having no regular leisure‐time physical activity or longer sitting times is associated with a higher risk of prefrailty. For sedentary older adults to prevent prefrailty, they can become more active, sit less or better yet, commit to both.

Age differences in the association of physical leisure activities with incident disability among community-dwelling older adults

“…With reference to previous studies [ 3 – 5 , 8 – 11 , 21 , 25 ], age, gender, socio-economic status (i.e., family number, education, and perceived economic situation), health status (i.e., body mass index and chronic medical conditions), health behaviors (i.e., alcohol consumption, smoking status, and regular dental visits), mental functioning (i.e., depression and cognitive functioning), and social participation (i.e., community activities, paid work, and informal social interactions) [ 11 ] were selected as covariates that may be confounding factors of the association between LA and incident disability. A representative survey of non-institutionalized individuals aged 60 and over in Spain reported that perceived economic situation was significantly associated with the prevalence of disability [ 26 ].…”

“…Depression was assessed by the 5-item short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale [27], and categorized as present (scores of 2-5) or absent (scores of 0-1). Cognitive functioning was assessed by the MDS Cognitive Performance Scale [28], and categorized as poor (scores of [1][2][3][4][5][6] or intact (a score of 0). Community activities included volunteer activities and neighborhood association activities, and were classified with or without par-Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine (2022) 27:16 ticipation.…”

“…In an aging society, being active is regarded as the most important measure to prevent disability [ 2 ], and many studies have reported that leisure activities (LA) in old age are associated with maintenance of cognitive function [ 3 , 4 ]. A few studies have suggested that LA by older adults are associated with a lower risk of frailty [ 5 , 6 ]. Because frailty has been associated with an increase in incident disability [ 7 ], LA may be a modifiable factor that prevents the onset of disability among older people.…”

Efficacy of a multicomponent exercise training program intervention in community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cluster randomized controlled trial

“…Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was assessed using two questions modified from Gionet and Godin 27 and Chang et al:. 6 (1) “Have you done any LTPA for 30 min or more a day, with a significant increase in breathing or sweating, in the past six months?”; and (2) “If you have, how often do you do it?” Some of the activities that qualified as LTPA were brisk walking, social or folk dancing, and traditional Chinese health-promoting exercises. Regular LTPA was defined as performing moderate–vigorous exercise during leisure time for at least 30 min a day, five days a week, over the previous six months.…”

“…It is well known that regular leisure-time PA (LTPA) can prolong life and reduce all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality, as well as prefrailty and frailty. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 To improve or maintain adequate physical performance, exercise training needs to be challenging and have multiple components. The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Committee (PAGAC) Scientific Report provides strong evidence that PA reduces the risk of fall-related injuries in older people by 32–40%, and this includes severe falls requiring medical care or hospitalization.…”