Topic > Physical Activity in Older Adults

Physical activity is especially important among older adults, as they can benefit greatly from increased activity levels. In adulthood, physical activity consistently shows a positive association with broader constructs, such as perceived quality of life and feelings of well-being (Bize, Johnson, & Plotnikoff, 2007). However, internationally, approximately 3.2 million deaths per year are attributed to inactivity (Taylor, 2014). According to the World Health Organization (2010), the five leading causes of death are hypertension, smoking, high blood sugar, physical activity and obesity. Physical inactivity can also contribute to hypertension, high blood sugar and obesity. Overall, higher levels of physical activity were also associated with a 7% lower risk of total cancer (Moore el al., 2016). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Increasing physical activity has even been suggested as the most crucial intervention for improving the health of a population (Paterson et al., 2007). However, despite these startling statistics, less than 20% of North Americans meet suggested physical activity guidelines. Older adults on average are even less physically active, being the most physically inactive among all age groups (Troiano et al., 2008). Since older adults generally don't work, their neighborhood is where they spend most of their time. Existing research has shown that physical environmental factors arising from the built environment, such as neighborhood walkability, partially explain older adults' physical activity (Carlson et al., 2012). Older people may be particularly sensitive to influences from the built environment, as they often prefer shorter walking distances, desire safe pedestrian facilities, and have more free time to spend in infrastructure such as parks and community fitness centers. Sallis et al. (2006) created a framework that incorporates four domains of active living (employment, family, leisure, and transportation) and states that relationships between social-ecological correlates and PA are domain-specific. For older adults, the main areas of active life would be family and leisure, as well as a large dependence on transport if they are unable to drive. However, it appears that changing the built environment can only benefit a community depending on the social cognition of individuals within that community. Fleig et al. (2016) demonstrated that, in a sample of older adults, the effects of walkability and physical activity were fully mediated through perceptions of behavioral control. A possible solution to this problem could be a relationship between physical activity, the built environment and social networks. Physical activity interventions in older adults often focus on changing psychosocial skills, barriers, self-efficacy, and social support (Kahn et al., 2002). Community walkability interacts with social support in explaining older adults' moderate-to-vigorous total physical activity (MVPA). A relationship has also been found between walkability, social support, self-efficacy, and barriers in explaining walking for transportation (Carlson et al., 2012). Therefore, because the relationship with the built environment, social cognition and physical activity is so complex, it is difficult to really decide what the right solution is for an inactive seniors community. With the population of older adults increasing alongside baby boomers, it is critical that we address this issue so we can prevent chronic disease and mortality in the future. Here., 2016).