Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior of Residents in Assisted Living: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Low physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SB) place residents in assisted living at risk for physical decline, but little is known about factors that influence PA/SB in this setting. In the current cross-sectional study, we described objectively measured PA/SB (activPAL™) and examined the relationships between PA/SB and use of an assistive walking device, depression, sleep disturbance, pain, fatigue, social isolation, and the tendency to make social comparisons. Fifty-four residents from eight assisted living facilities participated. Mean time spent in PA was 252.9 ( SD = 134.3) minutes/day. Mean time spent in SB was 660.8 ( SD = 181.4) minutes/day. Depression predicted PA (R2 = 0.16). Residents using an assistive device spent significantly more time in SB ( p = 0.02). Fatigue correlated with time in longer bouts of SB ( r = 0.19, p = 0.04). The tendency to make social comparisons correlated with SB ( r = 0.22, p = 0.04). Findings show residents in assisted living are inactive and further research is needed to fully understand factors that influence PA/SB. [ Research in Gerontological Nursing, 15 (3), 117–123.]