Consequences of physical inactivity in older adults: A systematic review of reviews and meta‐analyses

Cunningham, Conor; Sullivan, Roger O’; Caserotti, Paolo; Tully, Mark

doi:10.1111/sms.13616

Cited by 526 publications

(418 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Further justification for promoting a physically active lifestyle among older adults is that habitual physical activity declines with aging, due to an increase in time spent undertaking sedentary behaviors and decreasing time spent undertaking moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [39], leading to muscle wasting and weakness [40]. Skeletal muscle is a major immunoregulatory organ and produces a range of soluble factors, which have anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective effects [41].…”

Section: Immunosenescence As a Modifiable Risk Factor For Covid-19?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Immunological Implications of Physical Inactivity among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

et al. 2020

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Social distancing has been adopted worldwide to control severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. Social isolation is likely to lead to a decline in physical activity, which could result in immune system dysfunction, thereby increasing infection susceptibility and exacerbating the pathophysiology of conditions that are common among older adults, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory disorders. Older adults and people living with these comorbidities are at a greater risk for complications during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this review, we discuss the negative impact of physical inactivity on immune function and showcase evidence that regular physical activity may be an effective strategy to counter some of the deleterious effects of social isolation. Furthermore, we briefly highlight key research questions in exercise immunology, with a focus on older adults in the context of COVID-19. Although it is worth emphasizing that there is no direct evidence that physical activity can prevent or treat COVID-19, promoting an active lifestyle is a key intervention to counteract the effects of social isolation, especially in older adults and other at-risk individuals, such as those living with chronic diseases associated with ageing and lifestyle.

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Section: Immunosenescence As a Modifiable Risk Factor For Covid-19?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Immunological Implications of Physical Inactivity among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

et al. 2020

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“…A recent review of all published literature has also shown that, compared to their active peers, inactive older adults (aged 60+ years) had increased risk of all-cause mortality, fractures, recurrent falls, and functional limitation. They also experienced poorer aging trajectories, a reduction in quality of life and decreased cognitive functioning [ 12 ]. Older adults are a very heterogeneous group, and many who are very well and active prior to directions to self-isolate will find it challenging to stay active.…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Aerobic exercise at home can be facilitated by home exercise equipment (if available) and walking around the home/garden. Growing evidence supports the importance of light intensity activity, a message that is particularly important for those who are currently inactive and/or frailer [ 12 ].…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why physical activity matters for older adults in a time of pandemic

Cunningham

Sullivan

2020

Eur Rev Aging Phys Act

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Background The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communities across the world. Government responses, of promoting ‘social distancing’ at a population level, and ‘self-isolation’ of older adults to mitigate its spread have been unprecedented. Despite the importance of these Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM), they present challenges to maintaining a physically active lifestyle, particularly for older adults. Context The importance of physical activity (PA) for health is well documented. There is strong evidence that PA in later life reduces the risk of disease, helps to manage existing conditions, and develops and maintains physical and mental function. Staying physically active is particularly important for older adults currently. Implications and recommendations Research suggests that PHSM have already reduced levels of PA for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to COVID-19 many older adults were not engaging in enough PA to attain health benefits. Evidence indicates that there will be an increase in the number of older adults not meeting guidelines for PA due to the impacts of COVID-19. This has implications for population health and public health policy. How to support older adults to remain physically active during and after the COVID-19 crisis will require careful consideration. Going forward it is imperative that policy and practice support all older adults to achieve the recommended levels of PA to ensure that they are not disadvantaged in the short- but also in the longer term by the impact of COVID-19.

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“…Physical activity (PA) represents the most effective method for preventing falls among older people [4,7,8], while PA interventions focusing on balance are the most effective way of avoiding loss of autonomy among older people living at home [4,9]. There is evidence that these balance-based programs can be cost-effective [10].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Social marketing interventions to promote physical activity among 60 years and older: a systematic review of the literature

et al. 2020

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Background Falls are a significant source of morbidity in people aged 65 and over, affecting one in three people in this age group. The scientific evidence indicates that physical activity is the most effective method for preventing falls among seniors. Although public health professionals often use social marketing to design and plan successful interventions, its use to promote physical activity and prevent falls among older people remains low. This article aims to provide a new systematic literature review of social marketing interventions promoting physical activity and targeting people aged 60 and over. Methods Following CRD’s guidance and PRISMA guidelines, we searched between January 2008 and July 2019 for relevant articles in five primary databases using predefined search and inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers analysed the selected articles to identify evidence of the seven social marketing benchmark criteria, defined by experts in the field as the common elements that contribute to social marketing success. Results The final review included nine studies. Of the studies selected, three specifically targeted over 60-year-olds, whereas the others segmented the population into several age-based subcategories, including over 60-year-olds. Eight studies highlighted positive results for the participants with an increase in participation or an increase in physical activity level. None of the nine studies selected for this systematic review implemented the entire social marketing approach. Conclusion Few published interventions use the seven social marketing criteria. Further research is required to encourage uptake and inclusion in successful social marketing interventions to increase program effectiveness in this target population.

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Consequences of physical inactivity in older adults: A systematic review of reviews and meta‐analyses

Cited by 526 publications

References 37 publications

Immunological Implications of Physical Inactivity among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Immunological Implications of Physical Inactivity among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Why physical activity matters for older adults in a time of pandemic

Social marketing interventions to promote physical activity among 60 years and older: a systematic review of the literature

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