Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults: associations with physical and mental health

Park, Saengryeol (2017). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults: associations with physical and mental health. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Park17PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (2MB)

Abstract

With an increasing ageing population, it is important to explore factors that can contribute to healthy ageing. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) are associated with psychological and physical health in older adults. This thesis therefore aims to explore the associations between PA as well as SB and a range of health, motivational, environmental factors in older adults from assisted living facilities (ALFs) and community settings using various methodological approaches.
Study 1 used latent profile analyses to group people based on PA, SB, and physical function in resident of ALFs. It was found that those classed as high physical function with an active lifestyle had better mental health compared to those who had lower physical function and an inactive lifestyle. These findings suggest that in order to improve mental health in older adults, interventions should take all these variables into account.
Study 2 used latent profile analyses to classify people based on the degree of autonomy support from important others and perceptions of the physical environment, and subsequently examined differences in engaging in light PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) between these groups. Results suggest that perceptions of the physical environment should be taken into account along with support from important others to facilitate increases in levels of PA.
Study 3 employed ecological momentary assessment to examine the within-person association of light PA, MVPA, and SB in relation to bodily pain and fatigue in older community dwelling adults. This study revealed associations between bodily pain and PA, as well as SB. Furthermore, daily fatigue was influenced by typical fatigue and physical health.
The overall conclusion of the studies presented in this thesis implies that individual, social, and environmental factors and its interactions can all contribute to mental health, PA, SB, bodily pain, and fatigue outcomes in older adults.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):