The mediational role of physical activity, social contact and stroke on the association between age, education, employment and dementia in an Asian older adult population

Abstract The Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) older adult population remains understudied and are disproportionately affected by diabetes and heart conditions. Research has shown that participating in physical activity is a protective factor for many of the health conditions experienced by older adults. Yet, the link between physical activity, diabetes, and heart conditions among the NHOPI older adult population is limited. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of NHOPI older adults and to explore the association between physical activity levels and diabetes/heart conditions. Methods and findings Using data from the 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey (NHPI NHIS), which is considered to have a representative sample of NHOPI, the study explores the associations between physical activity and diabetes/heart conditions. A total of 1,045 older adults ages 50 years and older were included for analyses. Weighted multivariate analyses with multiple imputation techniques were used. The NHPI NHIS is the first federal survey focusing on the NHOPI population of the United States with rich information on health. Results and Implications Those with who were engaged in a sufficient physical activity had lower odds of having diabetes or heart conditions than their counterparts without physical activity while controlling for other sociodemographic characteristics. Findings highlight the importance of physical activity promotion intervention in preventing cardiovascular disease. Research and practice addressing health disparities and cardiovascular conditions should leverage efforts to provide culturally relevant physical activity types and resources to NHOPI older adults.

Download Full-text

It is Never too Late to Learn: The Role of Physical Exercises in the Learning Process among the Older Adult Population

Literacy Information and Computer Education Journal ◽

10.20533/licej.2040.2589.2020.0445 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 3390-3395

Author(s):

Glaucia Salgado ◽

David Kaufman

Keyword(s):

Older Adult ◽

Learning Process ◽

Adult Population ◽

Physical Exercises ◽

Older Adult Population

Download Full-text

Hypovitaminosis D and Aging: Is There a Role in Muscle and Brain Health?

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12030628 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 628 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Patrizia D’Amelio ◽

Luca Quacquarelli

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Older Adult ◽

Adult Population ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Brain Health ◽

Old Patients ◽

Older Adult Population

The older-adult population is constantly increasing, hence aging and mechanisms leading to aging are a topic raising increasing interest. Hypovitaminosis D is common amongst old patients and has been proposed as causative of several chronic diseases. Here we review the role of hypovitaminosis D and vitamin D supplementation in sarcopenia and dementia, from bench to bedside.

Download Full-text

Operationalizing Environmental Indicators for Physical Activity in Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.15.4.412 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 412-424 ◽

Cited By ~ 57

Author(s):

Scott Strath ◽

Raymond Isaacs ◽

Michael J. Greenwald

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adult ◽

Traffic Safety ◽

Traffic Control ◽

Adult Population ◽

Environmental Indicators ◽

Neighborhood Environment ◽

Semistructured Interview ◽

Common Category ◽

Older Adult Population

This qualitative study describes environmental supports and barriers to physical activity in an older adult sample drawn from low- and high-walkable neighborhoods. Thirty-seven individuals age 55 and over were recruited and answered open-ended survey questions, with a subsample invited back to partake in a semistructured interview. Content analysis identified categories and themes linking perceptions of neighborhood-environment characteristics to activity. Emerging categories and themes did not differ across neighborhood walkability, so results are presented for both groups combined. Infrastructure was the most common category identified to encourage activity, specifically, well-maintained sidewalks, bike paths or lanes, and traffic control. Other categories of land use, landscape, and aesthetics were reported. Poorly maintained or missing sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths or lanes, and traffic safety were categories that discouraged activity. In conclusion, the information obtained is helpful in solidifying which environmental characteristics are important to measure as they relate to activity behavior in an older adult population.

Download Full-text