The Influence of Neighbourhoods and the Social Environment on Sedentary Behaviour in Older Adults in Three Prospective Cohorts

Abstract

Sedentary behaviour is an emerging risk factor for poor health. This study aimed to identify ecological determinants of sedentary behaviour, for which evidence is currently scarce. The study participants were community dwelling adults from, respectively, the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (n = 271, mean age 79) and the 1930s (n = 119, mean age 83) and 1950s (n = 310, mean age 64) cohorts of the West of Scotland Twenty-07 study. The outcome measure, percentage of waking time spent sedentary (sedentary time), was measured using an activPAL activity monitor worn continuously for seven days. Potential determinants included objective and subjective neighbourhood measures such as natural space, crime, social cohesion and fear of crime. Other determinants included measures of social participation such as social support, social group membership and providing care. Results from multivariable regression analyses indicated that providing care was associated with reduced sedentary time in retired participants in all cohorts. Fear of crime and perceived absence of services were associated with increased sedentary time for retired 1950s cohort members. Higher crime rates were associated with increased sedentary time in all cohorts but this was not significant after adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics. Most other neighbourhood and social participation measures showed no association with sedentary time.

Cohort Profile Update: The Lothian Birth Cohorts of 1921 and 1936

“…A study which aimed to identify ecological determinants of sedentary behaviour, and included LBC1936 data, found that being in a carer role was related to lower levels of sedentary behaviour, and increased sedentary behaviour was related to a fear of crime and perceived absence of neighbourhood services 20 . Greater social disadvantage measured using a range of socioeconomic position measures has also been associated with increased time spent sedentary among retired individuals 21 .…”

The Influence of Social Capital on Farm Household’s Borrowing Behavior in Rural China

“…Social capital is also "a propensity of people in a society to cooperate to produce socially efficient outcomes" and includes "the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness" that arise from connections among individuals [20]. The concept of social capital is also widely used in economics, finance, and other social sciences [21][22][23][24][25]. Researchers, including those focused on the development of rural economics, subdivide social capital into measurable components.…”

What If Healthy Aging Is the ‘New Normal’?

“…The determinants and consequences of sedentary behavior are gaining recognition as an independent risk factor. In addition, neighborhood environmental factors associated with sedentary behavior among retirees using objective measures can help guide interventions [ 12 ]. Methodological advances in conducting street audits are helpful to identify the impact of different microscale environmental features on walking patterns among older adults [ 13 , 14 ].…”