Influence of seasonal variations on physical activity in older people living in mountainous agricultural areas

Abstract

Objectives: Increasing activity levels in older people is important for maintaining quality of life and ameliorating the risks of morbidity related to falls, depression, and dementia. This study aimed to clarify the seasonal variation effects on total energy expenditure, number of steps, time spent in low- and moderate- or high-intensity physical activities, and daily activities performed.Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 22 community-dwelling older individuals (3 men, 19 women; mean age, 75.1 ± 7.3 years) living in three districts of Gero, Gifu, who participated in the Gero Salon Project hosted by the Social Welfare Councils. Evaluations were conducted in each season from September 2016 to August 2017. We used a uniaxial accelerometer, the Lifecorder device, which measures physical activity, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly to evaluate activities of daily living. Data were analyzed using the multiple comparisons (Bonferroni correction) method.Results: Total energy expenditure and time spent in moderate- or high-intensity activities did not show seasonal variations. However, the lowest number of steps was taken during the winter, and the number of steps increased significantly from winter to spring. The time spent in low-intensity physical activities was significantly longer in the spring and summer than in the winter. There was no significant seasonal difference in total Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly score, leisure activities, domestic activities, or work-related activities. However, there was a significant difference between the summer and winter scores in “outdoor gardening,” with the lowest score observed during the winter.Conclusions: With climate changes in the winter months, “outdoor gardening” becomes difficult, thus decreasing the number of steps taken. Therefore, it is necessary to identify other ways for older people to maintain physical activity during the winter season.

Impact of COVID-19 confinement on the time and intensity of physical activity in the Spanish population

“…This reduction is similar to the falling trend in walking time shown in our study. In this regard, other studies carried out in similar lockdown situations (confinement during seasons with adverse weather conditions -cold winter or heat waves) also reported physical activity decrease during confinement, whereas sedentary time increases because poor or extreme weather becomes an environmental barrier to going outdoors (13)(14)(15)(16).…”

Physical Activity Change during COVID-19 Confinement

“…This reduction is similar to the falling trend in walking time shown in our study. In this regard, other studies carried out in similar lockdown situations (confinement during seasons with adverse weather conditions—cold winter or heat waves) also reported PA decrease during confinement, whereas sedentary time increased because poor or extreme weather becomes an environmental barrier to going outdoors [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

Physical Sports Activities and Exercise Addiction during Lockdown in the Spanish Population

“…Reductions in PA levels and increased sedentariness have previously been corroborated in populations that have suffered similar lockdown due to adverse hot or cold weather conditions, where the weather is a barrier to getting outdoors, especially in older adults [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. In turn, the physically active population tends to have fewer experiences of stress, depression, or anxiety than inactive individuals [ 59 ].…”