Sedentary Behaviors and Healthy Aging
Engaging inactive older adults in regular physical activity can be challenging, particularly as the pandemic has led to more pervasive social isolation and affected the availability of in-person exercise activities in the community. Physical activity is a key component of healthy aging and cognition, and its benefits should be a part of routine counseling for older adults.
An interesting recent study published in JAMA Network Open by Shi et al. evaluated the association of health behaviors and aging in female US nurses over a 20-year period.4 Surveys were administered to capture time spent in each behavior, such as being sedentary (TV watching, sitting at home or at work), light activity (walking around the house or at work), and moderate to vigorous activity (walking for exercise, lawn mowing). “Healthy aging” was defined by the absence of chronic conditions such as heart failure, and lack of physical, mental, and cognitive impairment.
The study found that participants who were more sedentary were less likely to age healthfully, with each additional 2 hours of TV watching per day associated with a 12% reduction in likelihood of healthy aging. Light physical activity was associated with a significant increase in healthy aging, with a 6% increase in the likelihood of healthy aging for each additional 2 hours of light activity. Each additional 1 hour of moderate to vigorous activity was associated with a 14% increase in the likelihood of healthy aging. These findings support discussions with patients that behavior change, even in small increments, can be beneficial in healthy aging.
References
1. Xu W et al. Ann Intern Med. 2024 Jun;177(6):701-10.
2. Yourman LC et al. JAMA Intern Med. 2021;181:179-85.
3. Demay MB et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. August 2024;109(8):1907-47.
4. Shi H et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(6):e2416300.