An examination of how physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults in Assisted Living associate with physical, cognitive and psychosocial function

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour are important markers of health and quality of life, and predictors of functional decline. However, the factors that influence movement patterns in older adults, especially for those residing in the growing assisted living (AL) setting, are poorly understood. I acquired measures from 114 AL tenants of movement patterns from waist-mounted accelerometers worn for at least 3 days. On average, participants spent 86% of their waking hours in sedentary behaviour and 13.84% in light physical activity. The time spent sedentary was higher in males than females, and correlated with scores on the Timed-Up-and-Go and Modified Fall Efficacy Scale, but not with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment or Geriatric Depression Scale. These results indicate that both physical function and psychological factors influence sedentary behaviour in AL tenants. Future research should examine whether interventions targeted at intrinsic or environmental factors decrease sedentary behaviours