The home as enabler of more active lifestyles among older people

Abstract

Inactive lifestyles have negative health consequences, while time spent sedentary (sitting and lying) is related to morbidity and premature mortality. Older adults often form the most sedentary segment of the population. Much of this behaviour may be practised at home where this group can spend extended periods. Physical activity rates among older adults are particularly low. Even household physical activities can be beneficial for this group, while they can constitute much of an older person's total activity. Despite this context, the home's role in the active and sedentary behaviours of the older population appears critically understudied. Using interview and focus group data collected from 22 older adults (healthy volunteers, stroke survivors and people with dementia), this paper begins to address this issue. Aspects of the home that aid or impede a more active, less sedentary lifestyle are identified with three presenting particular capacity in this respect discussed: steps, space within the home, and the location and form of facilities, fixtures and fittings. The crucial role health status plays in structuring this capacity is identified. Simple design recommendations, devised to support older people to lead more active lives at home, are presented.

Physical environments and community reintegration post stroke: qualitative insights from stroke clubs

“…Such environments were welcomed. Other research with stroke survivors has found a similar interest in spacious environments (Brookfield et al 2015). Unmade paths proved problematic and hindered the progress of individuals with mobility impairments.…”

“…The characteristics, advantages and limitations of the focus group method have been well documented (Brookfield, Bloodworth, and Mohan 2013;Krueger and Casey 2000). Although a verbal method, and conscious of the potential for verbal communication difficulties post stroke, the successful use of focus groups in previous studies with persons with experience of stroke, including stroke survivors (Brookfield et al 2015;damush et al 2007;Sarre et al 2014) and members of stroke clubs (Ch'ng, French, and Mclean 2008;Lennon et al 2013), helped prompt their use. Further, as a qualitative method, focus groups are appropriate for accessing and understanding personal perspectives and experiences, the interest of the research.…”

“…Studies suggest that stroke survivors view the home as a safe place, an environment in which they feel comfortable and confident (reed et al 2012). However, within the home, narrow doorways, stairs, absent handrails, heavy doors and limited space have been found to complicate movement, with poorly designed baths, showers and toilets impeding washing and personal care (Brookfield et al 2015;reid 2004;Schulz et al 2012). Outside the home, uneven surfaces and absent handrails have been found to contribute to trips and falls (reid 2004) and/or a fear of falling (robison et al 2009).…”

“…Additionally, research which suggests that stroke survivors limit their contact with environments/environmental factors experienced or perceived as 'problematic' was noted (Brookfield et al 2015;Gustafsson and Bootle 2013;robison et al 2009). …”

Home setting after stroke, facilitators and barriers: A systematic literature review

“…too high to grab or too far to reach). For example, stroke survivors with visual impairments struggle to judge stair heights and the distance between objects (Brookfield, et al, 2015). Furthermore, slippery surfaces were found to be barriers for the rehabilitation process as they obstruct patients' ability to safely move within the home setting (Zhang, et al, 2016).…”