Patterns of Sedentary Behavior among Older Adults in Care Facilities: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Understanding the sedentary patterns can guide the design of strategies to engage older adults in physical activity. This scoping review aimed to synthesize available evidence on sedentary behaviors in care facilities. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science for studies published from inception through October 2020. Eighteen studies were included and reviewed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data obtained were analyzed based on levels of care provided. Overall, daily sedentary time was higher among residents in high level care facilities (e.g., nursing homes) (11.6 h/day) than intermediate/mixed level care facilities (e.g., assisted living) (9.5 h/day). In intermediate/mixed level care facilities, television (TV) viewing was the most common sedentary activity (2.5–2.9 h/day; 26% of daily sedentary time), while napping was the most favorite sedentary activity (4.7 h/day; 36% of waking hours) in high level care facilities. Sex differences in daily patterns of sedentary behavior (sedentary time, uninterrupted bouts, and bout durations) were commonly observed in intermediate/mixed level care facilities, as exemplified by men being more sedentary by 0.7–1.1 h/day. In summary, this study highlights distinctive sedentary patterns among older adults residing in different levels of care facilities, addressing a pressing need for customized interventions to engage care facility residents in physical activity.

Is High-Speed Resistance Training an Efficient and Feasible Exercise Strategy for Frail Nursing Home Residents?

“…30 During this period, patients are vaguely stimulated, so that, as in the case presented, their most frequent activities include watching TV, talking to friends, or napping. 31 Such pattern of sedentary behavior is similar to that observed in patients after fractures because muscles persist inactive in shorted positions for long periods, leading to significant loss of sarcomeres in series and increase in the content of connective tissues, contributing to substantial reduction in muscle length and flexibility. 32e34 As a consequence, frail institutionalized older adults, as Mr. Oliveira, might experience smaller gains in physical function in response to HSRT because reduced ROM limits the duration of velocity development across muscle contractions, likely generating less power and recruitment of type II muscle fibers.…”

Barriers associated with the public use of sports facilities in China: a qualitative study

“…The government can improve living conditions for those who live in residential areas by increasing accessibility to public sports facilities [22]. Opening more facilities and providing high-level service to the public is not only the national request, it is also prompted by the need to reduce medical costs [28], especially for children and older adults [29,30]. However, there is a gap between demand and supply with respect to how the sports facilities provide availability, accessibility, and improved service to the public.…”

Loneliness and boredom in residential care

“…Studies of residential care facilities have highlighted the prevalence of passivity or sedentary behaviour. Many residents sit alone in their rooms doing nothing or are left in front of the television all day (Brownie & Horstmanshof, 2011;Gine-Garriga et al, 2019;Leung et al, 2021;Li et al, 2020;New Zealand Labour Party, 2010;Wilcock & Townsend, 2009). Similarly, some studies have highlighted the prevalence of enforced idleness, with few opportunities and encouragement at the facilities for residents to participate in leisure activities (Cahill & Diaz-Ponce, 2011;Fiveash, 1998;Problem of idleness in old people's homes, 1929;Sarantakos, 1989;Smith et al, 2018).…”