Caregiving, Transport-Related, and Demographic Correlates of Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults: The Senior Neighborhood Quality of Life Study. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: White, Maya N.; King, Abby C.; Sallis, James F.; Frank, Lawrence D.; Saelens, Brian E.; Conway, Terry L.; Cain, Kelli L.; Kerr, Jacqueline
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging and health. Volume 28:Number 5(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 812
• Page End: 833
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: sedentary behavior -- physical activity -- older adults -- elderly; Older people -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1177/0898264315611668
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-2643

Abstract

Objective: Excess sedentary time predicts negative health outcomes independent of physical activity. The present investigation examined informal caregiving duties and transportation-related factors as potential correlates of sedentary behavior in older adults.Method: Average daily sedentary time was measured via accelerometer in adults ages 66 years and older ( N = 861). Caregiving variables included dog ownership and informal family caregiving status. Transportation variables included driver status, walking distance to public transit, and reported presence of pedestrians and bicyclists in one's neighborhood.Results: In multivariate models, owning a dog and being a driver were associated with less sedentary time ( p ≤ .01). Educational status and geographic region modified the association between dog ownership and sedentary time, and age modified the association between driver status and sedentary time.Discussion: This study identified that older adult dog owners and drivers were less sedentary. Both factors may create opportunities for older adults to get out of their homes.