Understanding the Relationship Between Pet Ownership and Physical Activity Among Older Community-Dwelling Adults—A Mixed Methods Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-139
Author(s):  
Mandy Peacock ◽  
Julie Netto ◽  
Polly Yeung ◽  
Joanne McVeigh ◽  
Anne-Marie Hill
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Daily Step Count

Pet ownership is associated with increased levels of physical activity (PA) in older adults. Studies have mainly focused on the association between PA and dog walking; however, broader aspects of pet ownership may influence PA. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between pet ownership and incidental and purposeful PA using a mixed methods approach. Participants’ (N = 15) PA was measured for 7 days using accelerometers and diaries. Semistructured interviews explored participants’ perspectives regarding pet-related activities. Participants’ mean (SD) daily step count was 14,204 (5,061) steps, and mean (SD) sedentary time per day was 8.76 (1.18) hr. Participants strongly concurred that their pets were an integral part of their daily lives. Incidental and purposeful PA resulted from participants undertaking pet care and socially interacting with their pets. Pets may interrupt sedentary behaviors by nudging older adults to engage in PA as part of their daily lived experience.

scholarly journals How Do Older Adults Respond to Active Australia Physical Activity Questions? Lessons From Cognitive Interviews

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristiann C. Heesch ◽  
Jannique van Uffelen ◽  
Wendy J. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Interviews ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Interviewing Techniques

The aim of this study was to examine older adults’ understanding and interpretation of a validated questionnaire for physical activity surveillance, the Active Australia Survey (AAS). To address this aim, cognitive interviewing techniques were used during face-to-face semistructured interviews with 44 adults age 65–89 years. Qualitative data analysis revealed that participants were confused with questionnaire phrasing, misunderstood the scope of activities to include in answers, and misunderstood the time frame of activities to report. They also struggled to accurately estimate the frequency and duration of their activities. Our findings suggest that AAS questions may be interpreted differently by older adults than intended by survey developers. Findings also suggest that older adults use a range of methods for calculating PA frequency and duration. The issues revealed in this study may be useful for adapting AAS for use in older community-dwelling adults.

scholarly journals The MIPAM trial – motivational interviewing and physical activity monitoring to enhance the daily level of physical activity among older adults – a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Tolstrup Larsen ◽  
Christoffer Bruun Korfitsen ◽  
Camilla Keller ◽  
Jan Christensen ◽  
Henning Boje Andersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Step Count ◽  
World Health ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Daily Step Count

Abstract Background One in four older adults in Denmark and almost half of the very old above 75 do not meet the World Health Organization’s recommendations for a minimum of physical activity (PA). A cost-efficient and effective way to increase focus on and motivation for daily walking might be to use Physical Activity Monitors (PAMs) in combination with behavioural change intervention. Thus, the objective of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effect of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as an add-on intervention to a PAM-based intervention measured in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This two-arm parallel group randomized controlled effectiveness trial compared a 12-weeks PAM-based intervention with additional MI (PAM+MI group) with a PAM-based intervention alone (PAM group). The primary outcome, average daily step count, was analysed with a linear regression model, adjusted for sex and baseline daily step count. Following the intention-to-treat principle, multiple imputation based on baseline step count, sex and age was performed. Results In total, 38 participants were randomized to the PAM intervention and 32 to the PAM+MI intervention arm. During the intervention period, PAM+MI participants walked on average 909 more steps per day than PAM participants, however insignificant (95%CI: − 71; 1889) and reported 2.3 points less on the UCLA Loneliness Scale (95%CI: − 4.5; − 1.24). Conclusion The use of MI, in addition to a PAM-based intervention among older adults in PA promoting interventions hold a potential clinically relevant effect on physical activity and should thus be investigated further with adequately powered RCTs. Trial registration This study was pre-registered in the clinicaltrials.gov database with identifier: NCT03906162.

scholarly journals Influence of a sedentary lifestyle on self-reported mental health status among community-dwelling older adults with depression: Implications for secondary prevention efforts

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Justin B. Dickerson ◽  
Matthew Lee Smith ◽  
Marcia G. Ory
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Prevention ◽  
Secondary Prevention ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors

The relationship between sedentary behavior and mental health is documented in the primary prevention literature in the context of mental illnesses such as depression. However, these relationships have not been studied to the same extent for secondary prevention efforts, especially among at risk communitydwelling older adults. The Brazos Valley Health Assessment was administered to nearly 4000 adults. Respondents self-reported disease status, lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and nutrition habits, perceptions of physical and mental health, and socio-demographics. The selection criteria for inclusion in our study sample were being at least 55 years old and having been diagnosed with depression by a healthcare provider. This criterion resulted in a sample of 545. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the association between number of the past 30 days where mental health days were not good and sedentary behaviors such as time spent watching television and time spent using a computer. For each day per week respondents did not engage in at least 10 min of moderate physical activity (such as fast walking) relative to their peers, they were 5% less likely to report positive mental health (IRR=0.95, P=0.036). For each additional hour per day respondents spent watching television relative to their peers, they were 12% more likely to report poorer mental health (IRR=1.12, P=0.033). Secondary prevention efforts should recognize the influence of sedentary behaviors and emphasize similar interventions used for primary prevention of depression.

scholarly journals Understanding the Benefits, Challenges, and the Role of Pet Ownership in the Daily Lives of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Case Study

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2628
Author(s):  
Nataša Obradović ◽  
Émilie Lagueux ◽  
Karine Latulippe ◽  
Véronique Provencher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Meaningful Role ◽  
Health And Well Being

Human–animal interactions may positively impact the health and well-being of older adults. Considering about one third of community-dwelling older adults report owning a pet, better understanding the benefits, challenges, and the role of pet ownership may help support the relationships between older adults and their pets. This case study aims to better understand the role of pet ownership in the daily lives of older adults and explore the benefits and the challenges of owning a pet for this population. Interviews were conducted with Violet, a 77-year-old dog owner and her healthcare provider. Qualitative data were analyzed by two evaluators and validated by the participants. Both participants agree that the benefits outweigh the challenges for both the older adult and her pet. The benefits and challenges were the following: Violet, taking care of her dog (Jack), (1) could provide Violet with a sense of safety and positively influence her mood; (2) may introduce a slight fall risk; (3) includes financial costs to consider. Ensuring Jack’s well-being is important for Violet and her dog benefits from Violet’s continual presence and care. The findings suggest that improving the fit between characteristics of the owner and their pet may support the meaningful role of pet ownership within the context of aging-in-place.

scholarly journals Patient Perspectives on Engagement in Recovery after Hip Fracture: A Qualitative Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanie Sims-Gould ◽  
Sarah Stott-Eveneshen ◽  
Lena Fleig ◽  
Megan McAllister ◽  
Maureen C. Ashe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
Fracture Management

Purpose. To understand older adults’ engagement in their recovery experience and rehabilitation after a fall-related hip fracture. Method. 50 community-dwelling older adults recovering from a recent (3–12 months) hip fracture (32 women, 18 men) participated in telephone interviews using a semistructured format at 6 and 12 months after recruitment into the study. Interviews were conducted as part of a mixed-methods study designed to test the effect of a postoperative hip fracture management program (B4 Clinic). Results. Three substantive themes were identified in the qualitative data: (1) managing expectations; (2) engaging in physical activity; and (3) there is life after fracture. Participants shared valuable insight into how their expectations for their recovery period compared to their lived experience and the role of physical activity in their ability to return to their prefracture activities. Conclusions. Our findings reflect older adults’ expectations for recovery from hip fracture. Encouraging engagement in rehabilitative exercises and addressing expectations prior to hospital discharge may improve patients’ adherence to rehabilitation programs, functional outcomes, and postoperative quality of life. Implications for rehabilitation include the necessity for early and ongoing engagement of rehabilitation professionals.

scholarly journals 281Physical activity and subsequent frailty incidence among the community-dwelling older adults: results from JAGES ATTACH

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjing Zhao ◽  
Bei Pan ◽  
Sachiko Sasaki ◽  
Shigekazu Ukawa ◽  
Emiko Okada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Walking Time ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

Abstract Background Previous studies reported that physical activity (PA) could prevent frailty, but the longitudinal evidence between PA volume and frailty is scarce. Additionally, the impact of daily walking time on the risk of frailty is unclear. This study aimed to examination the association of incident frailty with PA volume and daily walking time among Japanese community-dwelling older adults. Methods About 485 participants aged 70–74 years from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study were included in this study. Frailty was assessed at baseline and 3 years later by using the Kaigo-Yobo Checklist. PA was assessed using the short-term International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed to calculate relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for potential confounders. Results After 3 years of follow-up, 46 new frailty cases were recorded. The association of frailty incidence with both PA volume and daily walking time presented a U-shaped curve, albeit not statistically significant. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, walking for 0.5–1 h per day displayed a greater association with decreased frailty risk (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.12–0.98) than higher levels of daily walking time. We did not observe an association between PA volume and subsequent frailty. Conclusions Walking for 0.5–1 hour/day significantly decreases frailty risk. Incorporating a moderate level of regular walking into the daily lives of older adults may postpone the onset of frailty and improve the ageing process. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of higher PA levels on frailty risk.

scholarly journals Associations between Pet Ownership and Frailty: A Systematic Review

Geriatrics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Gotaro Kojima ◽  
Reijiro Aoyama ◽  
Yu Taniguchi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Frailty is defined as a state of increased vulnerability due to age-related decline in reserve and function across multiple physiological systems. Increasing physical activity level is considered to be a measure to counteract frailty. Some studies have indicated that pet owners are more engaged in physical activity than non-owners. We conducted a systematic review regarding associations between pet ownerships and frailty among community-dwelling older adults and critically assessed the findings. PubMed was searched in April 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for cross-sectional or prospective studies examining associations between pet ownership and frailty in community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 60 or above. A supplementary search was done using Google Scholar. Identified articles were reviewed by two investigators independently and assessed for methodological quality. The search identified 48 studies, among which three studies (two cross-sectional and one prospective) were included in this review. These studies suggested that pet ownership may be associated with a lower risk of frailty. This systematic review found only a limited amount of relevant research. More research is needed to establish the link between pet ownership and frailty as well as healthy aging and well-being.

scholarly journals Changes in Health Behaviors, Mental and Physical Health among Older Adults under Severe Lockdown Restrictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7067
Author(s):  
Esther García-Esquinas ◽  
Rosario Ortolá ◽  
Iago Gine-Vázquez ◽  
José A. Carnicero ◽  
Asier Mañas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Lifestyle Risk Factors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Lifestyle Risk

We used data from 3041 participants in four cohorts of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years in Spain collected through a pre-pandemic face-to-face interview and a telephone interview conducted between weeks 7 to 15 after the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown. On average, the confinement was not associated with a deterioration in lifestyle risk factors (smoking, alcohol intake, diet, or weight), except for a decreased physical activity and increased sedentary time, which reversed with the end of confinement. However, chronic pain worsened, and moderate declines in mental health, that did not seem to reverse after restrictions were lifted, were observed. Males, older adults with greater social isolation or greater feelings of loneliness, those with poorer housing conditions, as well as those with a higher prevalence of chronic morbidities were at increased risk of developing unhealthier lifestyles or mental health declines with confinement. On the other hand, previously having a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and doing more physical activity protected older adults from developing unhealthier lifestyles with confinement. If another lockdown were imposed during this or future pandemics, public health programs should specially address the needs of older individuals with male sex, greater social isolation, sub-optimal housing conditions, and chronic morbidities because of their greater vulnerability to the enacted movement restrictions.

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