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Magnitude and Composition of Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults Living in a Retirement Community

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Abstract

High amount of sedentary behavior (SB) has been associated with a multitude of adverse health events in older adults. There are limited data regarding SB in older adults living in retirement communities (RC). This study described the magnitude and composition of SB [non-screen sedentary time (NSST) and screen sedentary time (SST)] in older adults living in a RC and documented variation in this behavior as a function of demographic, health, health behavior and clinical variables. This cross sectional descriptive study enrolled and assessed 100 older males and females living a RC located in the Midwest region of United States. Participants completed a questionnaire for sample characterization and a SB questionnaire. Metric of SB (i.e., TST, NSST and SST) were analyzed overall and separated by the variables of interest. Participants reported on average 10 h/day of sedentary activity (65% on NSST and 35% on SST). Older adults reported to spend most of their awaking hours in activities such as reading, watching TV and computer use. Significant variations on NSST and SST were observed for gender, BMI, perceived health, mobility aid use and number of chronic diseases. These findings may help in the development of tailored strategies and interventions focusing on reducing SB in this particular under-researched subgroup.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Clayton Camic from the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University for proof reading the present manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the Dean’s Office, College of Education, Northern Illinois University (Dean’s Research Grant CoE-NIU 2017-2018).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA

    Emerson Sebastião, Joshua Pak & David Benner Jr.

  2. Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Muzambinho, MG, Brazil

    Priscila M. Nakamura

  3. Department of Sport Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil

    Camila B. Papini

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  1. Emerson Sebastião
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Correspondence to Emerson Sebastião.

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Sebastião, E., Pak, J., Benner, D. et al. Magnitude and Composition of Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults Living in a Retirement Community. J Community Health 44, 805–814 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-019-00633-w

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