Personal and Environmental Contributors to Sedentary Behavior of Older Adults in Independent and Assisted Living Facilities

Mary P. Kotlarczyk, Andrea L. Hergenroeder, Bethany Barone Gibbs, Flor de Abril Cameron, Megan E. Hamm and Jennifer S. Brach
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Mary P. Kotlarczyk: Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Andrea L. Hergenroeder: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Bethany Barone Gibbs: Department of Health and Human Development, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Flor de Abril Cameron: Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Megan E. Hamm: Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Jennifer S. Brach: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-14

Abstract: Sedentary behavior is associated with negative health outcomes and unhealthy aging. Older adults are the most sedentary age group, and decreasing sitting time represents an intervention target for improving health. Determinants of sedentary behavior have been examined in older adults living in their own homes, yet less is known about sedentary behavior of older adults in residential care facilities. The purpose of this study was to explore factors contributing to sedentary behavior among residents of independent and assisted living facilities. We conducted eight focus groups with residents ( n = 44) and semi-structured interviews with staff ( n = 6) across four living facilities. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed using an iterative, inductive approach. Three salient themes were identified. Residents and staff both viewed sedentary behavior negatively unless it was in the context of social engagement. Additionally, fear of falling was discussed as a significant contributor to sedentary behavior. Finally, residents felt the community living environment contributed to their sedentary behavior while staff did not. Our findings provide valuable insight for designing targeted interventions for older adults in residential facilities and suggest thinking beyond the individual and considering environmental influences on sedentary behavior in the residential care setting.

Keywords: sedentary behavior; older adults; residential care; focus groups; thematic analysis; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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