How can a sedentary lifestyle be seen in this demographic?
*Age is not a determinant of an active lifestyle or the healthy habits an individual may have. Everyone is young at heart! In this group, we classify those who are between the ages of 60 and above as more likely to be retired and considered seniors.*
1
Sitting
Those categorized in this age are prone to being sat for a chunk of their day. A study showed that "Approximately 60% of older adult's reports sitting for more than 4h per day..." (Harvey, Chastin, & Skelton, 2013)
*Data comes from 7 different countries where subjects were 60 years or older*
3
Technology
We live in the Information Age where technology is everywhere. From phones to computers to television, there is not just one thing that grants you access to the it. In the same study, researchers conclude "... 54% report watching more than 3 h of TV and 65% sit in front of a screen for over 3 h." (Harvey, Chastin, & Skelton, 2013)
01
Risk - Cognitive Decline
A sedentary lifestyle can be linked to cognitive decline in seniors. Behavior can be seen in these individuals as confusion or frequent memory loss. It can also create an increased risk for dementia and be seen as early signs of Alzheimer's. (Lifestyle, 2016)
02
Risk - Muscle Degeneration
This risk is due to the lack of use of your muscles! Our muscles power our body and allow us to move freely. If they are not being actively used, they simply waste away and cause lots of problems to even carry out simple daily activities. (Lifestyle, 2016)
03
Prevention - Hobbies
This demographic may find themselves bored with life and unsure of what to do which can be a factor attributed to being sedentary. Simple hobbies are easy to pick up, are endless, and can get people moving: gardening, daily walks, dancing, painting, etc. Anything that they find passionate can be made into something that will positively affect their health if it involves movement! (5 Activities That Prevent Seniors from Being Sedentary, 2022)
04
Prevention - Family/Social Groups
Families and communities can help our loved ones be more active and get off the tech. They play a vital role in making sure that they are moving! Activities like an outing to the store or a walk on the treadmill means much more to them if it's someone they are connected with. (How to Help Seniors Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle, 2021)
References
CDC. (2019, March 23). Adults Need More Physical Activity . Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/inactivity-among-adults-50plus/index.html
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Harvey, J., Chastin, S., & Skelton, D. (2013). Prevalence of Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(12), 6645–6661. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10126645
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Hightower, G. (2022, February 25). 5 Activities that Prevent Seniors from Being Sedentary. Retrieved from Home Care Assistance of Arlington website: https://www.homecareassistancearlingtontx.com/activities-to-help-aging-adults-prevent-sedentary-lifestyle/
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Mankowski, R. T., Mylène Aubertin-Leheudre, Beavers, D. P., Anda Botoseneanu, Buford, T. W., Church, T. S., Glynn, N. W., King, A. C., Liu, C., Manini, T. M., Marsh, A. P., McDermott, M. M., Nocera, J., Pahor, M., Strotmeyer, E. S., & Anton, S. D. (2015). Sedentary time is associated with the metabolic syndrome in older adults with mobility limitations — The LIFE Study. Experimental Gerontology, 70, 32–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2015.06.018
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Senior Lifestyle. (2016, March 9). “Sitting Disease” and the Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle. Retrieved August 10, 2023, from Senior Lifestyle website: https://www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/sitting-disease-dangers-sedentary-lifestyle/
The Wesley Community. (2021, July 28). How to Help Seniors Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle. Retrieved from The Wesley Community website: https://www.thewesleycommunity.org/senior-strategies/sedentary-lifestyle/