Aging, retirement, and changes in physical activity: prospective cohort findings from the GLOBE study. Influence of retirement on leisure-time physical activity: the atherosclerosis risk in communities study. Cluster randomized controlled trial of a multilevel physical activity intervention for older adults Project LIFE: a partnership to increase physical activity in elders with multiple chronic illnesses. Activity adherence and physical function in older adults with functional limitations. Best-practice physical activity programs for older adults: findings from the national impact study. Physical activity as a determinant of change in mobility performance: the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Physician-based physical activity counseling for middle-aged and older adults: A randomized trial Development and evaluation of two web-based interventions for the promotion of physical activity in older adults: study protocol for a community-based controlled intervention trial Physical activity in prefrail older adults: confidence and satisfaction related to physical function. Physical activity preferences, preferred sources of assistance, and perceived barriers to increased activity among physically inactive Australians. Customary physical activity and survival in later life: a study in Nottingham, UK. Taking up physical activity in later life and healthy ageing: the English longitudinal study of ageing Promoting physical activity for elders with compromised function: the lifestyle Interventions and Independence for elders (LIFE) study physical activity intervention Change in physical activity and weight in relation to retirement: the French GAZEL Cohort Study Efficacy of a web-based, center-based or combined physical activity intervention among older adults. Effect of an individually tailored one-year energy balance programme on body weight, body composition and lifestyle in recent retirees: a cluster randomised controlled trial
There is increased recognition that determinants of health should be investigated in a life-course perspective . Retirement is a major transition in the life course and offers opportunities for changes in physical activity that may improve health in the aging population . The authors examined the effect of retirement on changes in physical activity in the GLOBE Study , a prospect i ve cohort study known by the Dutch acronym for " Health and Living Conditions of the Population of Eindhoven and surroundings , " 1991 - 2004 . They followed respondents ( n = 971 ) by postal question naire who were employed and aged 40 - 65 years in 1991 for 13 years , after which they were still employed ( n = 287 ) or had retired ( n = 684 ) . Physical activity included 1 )  work-related transportation , 2 ) sports participation  , and 3 ) nonsports leisure-time physical activity .  Multinomial logistic regression analyses indicated that retirement was associated with a significantly higher odds for a decline in physical activity from work-related transportation ( odds ratio ( OR ) = 3.03 , 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) : 1.97 , 4.65 ) , adjusted for sex , age , marital status , chronic diseases , and education , compared with remaining employed . Retirement was not associated with an increase in sports participation ( OR = 1.12 , 95 % CI : 0.71 , 1.75 ) or nonsports leisure-time physical activity ( OR = 0.80 , 95 % CI : 0.54 , 1.19 ) . In conclusion , retirement introduces a reduction in physical activity from work-related transportation that is not compensated for by an increase in sports participation or an increase in nonsports leisure-time physical activity Cross-sectional data suggest that leisure-time physical activity may increase during retirement . Prospect i ve population -based studies are necessary to characterize leisure activity patterns through retirement among the same persons to verify this observation . Therefore , the purpose of this study was to describe the influence of retirement on leisure activity using data from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study cohort participants aged 45 - 64 years at baseline .  Physical activity was measured by the Baecke question naire  in 1,825 African-American and 5,957 White participants who were working at the initial visit ( 1986 - 1989 ) and either retired or working 6 years later ( 1993 - 1995 ) . Participants who retired during follow-up were more likely to increase their sport participation and television watching than those who continued to work over the 6-year period . Among those reporting sport or exercise at baseline , those retiring over follow-up were more likely to maintain their sport and exercise participation than those who continued to work across race-gender groups . Among those not reporting sport or exercise at baseline , those who retired were more likely to adopt activity than those who continued to work except for African-American women . In this study , retirement was associated with gains in sport and exercise participation as well as television watching Background Older adults are the least active population group . Interventions in residential setting s may support a multi-level approach to behavior change . Methods In a cluster r and omized control trial , 11 San Diego retirement communities were assigned to a physical activity ( PA ) intervention or a healthy aging attention control condition .  Participants were 307 adults over 65 years old . The multilevel PA intervention was delivered with the assistance of peer leaders , who were trained older adult from the retirement communities . Intervention components included individual counseling & self-monitoring with pedometers , group education sessions , group walks , community advocacy and pedestrian community change projects . Intervention condition by time interactions were tested using generalized mixed effects regressions . The primary outcomes was accelerometer measured physical activity . Secondary outcomes were blood pressure and objective ly measured physical functioning . Results Over 70 % of the sample were 80 years or older .  PA  significantly increased in the intervention condition ( 56 min of moderate-vigorous PA per week ; 119 min of light PA ) compared with the control condition and remained significantly higher across the 12 month study . Men and participants under 84 years old benefited most from the intervention . There was a significant decrease in systolic ( p < .007 ) and diastolic ( p < .02 ) blood pressure at 6 months . Physical functioning improved but the changes were not statistically significant . Conclusions Intervention fidelity was high demonstrating feasibility . Changes in PA and blood pressure achieved were comparable to other studies with much younger participants . Men , in particular , avoided a year-long decline in PA.Trial registration clincialtrials.gov Identifier : NCT01155011 The authors describe a medical center-based r and omized trial aim ed at determining the feasibility and effectiveness of partnering patients and primary -care providers  with an exercise health counselor .  Study participants included 165 veterans age 70 years and older . The primary end point was change in physical activity at 3 and 6 months comparing patients receiving  high-intensity physical activity counseling , attention control counseling , and usual care after receiving st and ardized clinic-based counseling . We noted a significant Group x Time interaction ( p = .041 ) for physical activity frequency and a similar effect for caloric expenditure ( p = .054 ) . Participants receiving high-intensity counseling and usual care  increased physical activity over the short term , but those with usual care returned to baseline by the end of the study . The intervention was well received by practitioners and patients . We conclude that partnering primary -care providers with specialized exercise counselors for age- and health-appropriate physical activity counseling is effective PURPOSE Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot ( LIFE-P ) was a trial to examine the effects of a physical activity intervention ( PA ) compared with a health education control ( SA ) on measures of disability risk in sedentary older adults ( N = 424 ) . We examined adherence to the LIFE-P PA intervention for the first 12 months of the trial . METHODS The PA intervention consisted of walking , strength , flexibility , and balance training supplemented with behavioral skills training modules , and it used a phased , center-based schedule of adoption ( 3x wk(-1 ) , weeks 1 - 8 ) , transition ( 2x wk(-1 ) , weeks 9 - 24 ) , and maintenance ( 1x wk(-1 ) , weeks 25 to end of trial ) while transitioning to primarily home-based physical activity . SA consisted of weekly ( weeks 1 - 26 ) transitioning to monthly health education workshops . RESULTS Participation in moderate-intensity physical activity increased from baseline to months 6 and 12 in PA compared with SA ( P < 0.001 ) . At 12 months , PA participants who reported > or = 150 min x wk(-1 ) of moderate activity demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in their Short Physical Performance Battery score compared with participants who reported < 150 min.wk of moderate activity ( P < 0.017 ) . For the PA arm , center-based attendance was 76.3 + /- 24.5 , 65.4 + /- 28.6 , and 49.8 + /- 35.8 % in the adoption , transition , and maintenance phases , respectively . CONCLUSIONS Adherence to physical activity in LIFE-P was associated with greater improvement in SPPB score and was consistent with adherence in physical activity trials of shorter duration in this subgroup of older adults . Older individuals at risk for disability can adhere to a regular program of physical activity in a long-term r and omized trial OBJECTIVES We assessed the impact of existing best- practice physical activity programs for older adults on physical activity participation and health-related outcomes . METHODS We used a multisite , r and omized trial with 544 older adults ( mean age 66 years ) and measures at baseline , 5 , and 10 months to test the impact of a multiple-component physical activity program compared with results for a control group that did not participate in such a program . RESULTS For adults who participated in a multiple-component physical activity program , we found statistically significant benefits at 5 and 10 months with regard to self-efficacy for exercise adherence over time ( P < .001 ) , adherence in the face of barriers ( P = .01 ) , increased upper- and lower-body strength ( P = .02 , P = .01 ) , and exercise participation ( P = .01 ) . CONCLUSIONS Best- practice community-based physical activity programs can measurably improve aspects of functioning that are risk factors for disability among older adults . US public policy should encourage these inexpensive health promotion programs OBJECTIVES This study examined the association of ( change in ) physical activity and decline in mobility performance in older men and women . DESIGN A 3-year prospect i ve study using data of the Longitudinal Aging Study . SETTING Netherl and s. PARTICIPANTS Two thous and one hundred nine men and women aged 55 to 85 . MEASUREMENTS  Total physical activity  ( expressed as hours per day and kilocalories per day ) and sports participation  were measured using a vali date d , interviewer-administered question naire .  Mobility performance was assessed using two timed tests : 6-meter walk and repeated chair st and s. RESULTS Mobility performance declined for 45.6 % of the sample . At baseline , the mean time + /- st and ard deviation spent on total physical activity was 3.0 + /- 2.1 h/d or 719 + /- 543 kcal/d , and 56.6 % of the sample participated in sports . Sports participation and a higher level of total physical activity , walking , or household activity were associated with a smaller mobility decline . After 3 years , total physical activity declined , and only 53.4 % of those reporting sports at baseline continued doing so . Continuation of physical activity over time was associated with the smallest decline in mobility . The observed associations were similar for those with and without chronic disease ( P > 0.3 ) . The conclusions did not change after adjustment for potential confounders , including demographic and lifestyle variables , depression , and cognitive status . CONCLUSIONS Physical activity , and especially a regularly active lifestyle , may slow the decline in mobility performance . A beneficial effect was observed for sports and nonsports activities , independent of the presence of chronic disease Sedentary behavior among older adults increases risk for chronic diseases . Physicians in a primary care setting can play an important role in promoting physical activity adoption among their older patients . The Physically Active for Life ( PAL ) project was a r and omized , controlled trial comparing the efficacy of brief physician-delivered physical activity counseling to usual care on self-reported physical activity levels . The physical activity counseling was based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change and social learning theory . Twenty-four community-based primary care medical practice s were recruited into the study ; 12 were r and omized to the Intervention condition and 12 to the Control condition . Physicians in the Intervention practice s received training in the delivery of brief physical activity counseling . Subjects in the Intervention practice s ( n=181 ) received brief activity counseling matched to their stage of motivational readiness for physical activity , a patient manual , a follow-up appointment with their physician to discuss activity counseling , and newsletter mailings . Subjects in the Control practice s ( n=174 ) received st and ard care .  Measures of motivational readiness for physical activity and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly ( PASE ) were administered to subjects in both conditions at baseline , 6 weeks following their initial appointment , and at 8 months . Results showed that at the 6-week follow-up , subjects in the Intervention condition were more likely to be in more advanced stages of motivational readiness for physical activity than subjects in the Control condition . This effect was not maintained at the 8 month follow-up and the intervention did not produce significant changes in PASE scores . Results suggest that more intensive , sustained interventions may be necessary to promote the adoption of physical activity among sedentary , middle-aged , and older adults in primary care medical practice Background Regular physical activity ( PA ) is a key contributor to healthy ageing . However , despite known health benefits , only one third of older adults in Germany reach the PA levels recommended for persons aged 65 years and above by the World Health Organization . The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two web-based interventions for the initiation and maintenance of regular PA ( i.e. , intervention groups 1 and 2 ) compared to a delayed intervention control group of older adults aged 65 to 75 years . Methods / Design Study participants will be r and omly assigned to one of three study arms in five communities in the Bremen-Oldenburg metropolitan region : a ) Participants in the first arm will receive access to a web-based intervention for 10 weeks allowing them to track their weekly PA ( subjective self-monitoring , intervention group 1 ) ; b ) participants in the second arm will receive access to the web-based intervention for 10 weeks and , in addition , track PA using Fitbit Zips ( objective self-monitoring , intervention group 2 ) ; c ) participants in the delayed intervention control group will receive access to the intervention implemented in the first study arm after completion of the 12-week follow-up in the other two groups within each community . In addition , weekly group meetings in the communities will be offered to study participants in the intervention groups providing the opportunity to address questions related to the use of the website and to practice PA in groups ( e.g. , neighborhood walks , strength and balance exercises ) . To evaluate short-term effects of the intervention on physical and psychological health , PA , physical fitness , and cognitive and psychological variables will be assessed at baseline and 12-week follow-up . Discussion This study will provide answers regarding acceptance and effectiveness of web-based interventions promoting uptake and maintenance of regular PA in persons aged 65–75 years . Study findings will contribute to a growing body of evidence in Germany concerning the role of community-based interventions for the promotion of PA and healthy ageing in older adults . Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00010052 ( Date of registration 07–11 - 2016 ) We examined the hypothesis that physical activity will have favorable effects on measures of self-efficacy for a 400-m walk and satisfaction with physical functioning in older adults 70 + years of age who have deficits in mobility . We r and omized a total of 412 adults aged 70 - 89 years at elevated risk for mobility disability to either a physical activity or a successful aging educational control intervention for 12 months . Participants in the physical activity intervention had more favorable changes in both outcomes as a result of treatment than those in the successful aging intervention . Gender , age , and scores on a short physical performance battery did not moderate these effects . Physical activity is an effective means of intervening on self-efficacy and satisfaction with physical function in older adults with impaired lower extremity functioning . This is an important finding in light of the importance of these process variables in behavior change and quality of life BACKGROUND Participation in regular moderate or vigorous physical activity substantially reduces risk for all-cause and cardiovascular-disease mortality and confers other health benefits . Efforts to decrease the population prevalence of inactivity will have a greater impact if they are tailored to the needs and preferences of the community . METHODS In the Pilot Survey of the Fitness of Australians , a question naire was administered to a r and omly selected sample of 2,298 adults and included questions on the preferred sources of assistance or support to become  physically active  , preferred activities , and barriers to regular participation . The responses of those who were identified as insufficiently physically active ( n = 1,232 ; 53.6 % ) were examined for men and women separately and for those aged 18 to 39 , 40 to 59 , and 60 to 78 years . RESULTS The most-preferred activity was walking ( 38 and 68 % of the youngest and oldest age groups , respectively ) . The most frequently cited barriers to more-regular participation in the youngest age group were insufficient time , lack of motivation and child care responsibilities . Among those aged 60 to 78 years , injury or poor health were the most frequently cited barriers to activity . The most-preferred source of advice or assistance changed with age : more than 50 % of the oldest age group wanted advice from a health professional ( compared with 22 % of the youngest group ) and the opportunity to exercise with a group was the most preferred source of support for the youngest age group . CONCLUSIONS The physical activity-related attributes of men and women and of younger and older age groups described in this study may be used to provide more relevant and appealing options for those who might otherwise be missed by " one-size-fits-all " physical activity promotion strategies OBJECTIVE : To assess the value of broadly based customary physical activity scores , derived from a question naire inventory , in predicting 10 year mortality  among elderly people . DESIGN : A 10 year survival analysis of participants in the first wave of the Nottingham longitudinal study of activity and ageing who , in face to face interviews in 1985 , provided detailed information on customary physical activity , health , and lifestyle . SETTING : Urban and suburban Nottingham PARTICIPANTS : A total of 1042 people aged 65 years and over r and omly sample d from general practitioner records . MAIN RESULTS : On the basis of factor scores derived from the interview question naire , activity levels were grade d as " high " , " intermediate " , or " low " . In Cox regression models controlling for age , health status , and cigarette smoking at the time of the activity assessment , these gradings were significantly related to 10 year survival . Relative to the " high " activity groups , the risk of dying was significantly increased in both the " intermediate " ( hazard ratio ( HR ) 1.53 ; 95 % CI 1.12 , 2.09 ) and " low " ( HR 2.07 ; 95 % CI 1.53 , 2.79 ) groups for women , and in the " low " group ( HR 1.59 ; 95 % CI 1.12 , 2.25 ) for men ( p < 0.01 throughout ) . CONCLUSION : Since the survival model controlled for age , health status , and cigarette smoking , it is unlikely that the activity gradings used here are simple proxies for physical health . It is concluded , therefore , that within the elderly population , recall based survey assessment s covering a wide range of customary or habitual physical activities , can provide indices showing both cross sectional utility and predictive validity Background Physical activity is associated with improved overall health in those people who survive to older ages , otherwise conceptualised as healthy ageing . Previous studies have examined the effects of mid-life physical activity on healthy ageing , but not the effects of taking up activity later in life . We examined the association between  physical activity  and healthy ageing over 8 years of follow-up . Methods Participants were 3454 initially disease-free men and women ( aged 63.7±8.9 years at baseline ) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing , a prospect i ve study of community dwelling older adults .  Self-reported physical activity was assessed at baseline ( 2002–2003 ) and through follow-up .  Healthy ageing , assessed at 8 years of follow-up ( 2010 - 2011 ) , was defined as those participants who survived without developing major chronic disease , depressive symptoms , physical or cognitive impairment . Results At follow-up , 19.3 % of the sample was defined as healthy ageing . In comparison with inactive participants , moderate ( OR , 2.67 , 95 % CI 1.95 to 3.64 ) , or vigorous activity ( 3.53 , 2.54 to 4.89 ) at least once a week was associated with healthy ageing , after adjustment for age , sex , smoking , alcohol , marital status and wealth . Becoming active ( multivariate adjusted , 3.37 , 1.67 to 6.78 ) or remaining active ( 7.68 , 4.18 to 14.09 ) was associated with healthy ageing in comparison with remaining inactive over follow-up . Conclusions Sustained physical activity in older age is associated with improved overall health . Significant health benefits were even seen among participants who became physically active relatively late in life The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders ( LIFE ) Study is a Phase III r and omized controlled clinical trial ( Clinical trials.gov identifier : NCT01072500 ) that will provide definitive evidence regarding the effect of physical activity ( PA ) on major  mobility disability in older adults ( 70–89 years old ) who have compromised physical function . This paper describes the methods employed in the delivery of the LIFE Study PA intervention , providing insight into how we promoted adherence and monitored the fidelity of treatment . Data are presented on participants ’ motives and self-perceptions at the onset of the trial along with accelerometry data on patterns of PA during exercise training . Prior to the onset of training , 31.4 % of participants noted slight conflict with being able to meet the dem and s of the program and 6.4 % indicated that the degree of conflict would be moderate . Accelerometry data collected during PA training revealed that the average intensity – 1,555 counts/minute for men and 1,237 counts/minute for women – was well below the cutoff point used to classify exercise as being of moderate intensity or higher for adults . Also , a sizable subgroup required one or more rest stops . These data illustrate that it is not feasible to have a single exercise prescription for older adults with compromised function . Moreover , the concept of what constitutes “ moderate ” exercise or an appropriate volume of work is dictated by the physical capacities of each individual and the level of comfort/stability in actually executing a specific prescription Objectives To examine the trajectories of physical activity from preretirement to postretirement and to further clarify whether the changes in physical activity are associated with changes in body weight . Design Prospect i ve . Setting French national gas and electricity company ( GAZEL cohort ) . Participants From the original sample of 20 625 employees , only those retiring between 2001 and 2008 on a statutory basis were selected for the analyses ( analysis 1 : n=2711 , 63 % men ; analysis 2 : n=3812 , 75 % men ) . Persons with data on at least one preretirement and postretirement measurement of the outcome were selected . Primary and secondary outcome measures All outcome data were gathered by question naires . In analysis 1 , the annual prevalence of higher physical activity ( walking ≥5 km/week ) 4 years before and after retirement was analysed . In analysis 2 , changes in leisure-time sport activities ( engagement , frequency and manner ) from preretirement to postretirement were analysed with simultaneous changes in body weight ( kilogram ) . Results In analysis 1 ( n=2711 ) , prevalence estimates for 4 years before and 4 years after retirement showed that higher leisure-time physical activity ( walking at least 5 km/week ) increased by 36 % in men and 61 % in women during the transition to retirement . This increase was also observed among people at a higher risk of physical inactivity , such as smokers and those with elevated depressive symptoms . In a separate sample ( analysis 2 , n=3812 ) , change in weight as a function of preretirement and postretirement  physical activity was analysed . Weight gain preretirement to postretirement was 0.85 ( 95 % CI 0.48 to 1.21 ) to 1.35 ( 0.79 to 1.90 ) kg greater among physically inactive persons ( decrease in activity or inactive ) compared with those physically active ( p<0.001 ) . Conclusions Retirement transition may be associated with beneficial changes in lifestyle and may thus be a good starting point to preventive interventions in various groups of individuals in order to maintain long-term changes With more social support and environment-centered interventions being recommended in web-based interventions , this study examined the efficacy of three intervention conditions aim ed at promoting physical activity ( PA ) in older adults . The efficacy analyses included the self-reported PA level , stage of change for PA and awareness about PA among participants . Eligible participants ( N = 149 ; M = 65 years old , SD = 6 ) , recruited in a unique Belgian French-speaking municipality , were r and omized in four research arms for a 3-month intervention : ( i ) web-based ; ( ii ) center-based ; ( iii ) mixed ( combination of web- and center-based ) ; and ( iv ) control ( no intervention ) . Web-based condition included a PA website and monthly tailored emails whereas center-based condition comprised 12 sessions ( 1 per week ) of group exercising . With a significant increase in PA , the PA stage of change and the PA awareness at 12 months , the mixed intervention condition seemed to include the key social and motivating elements for sustainable behavior change . Center-based intervention was more likely to produce significant improvements of the PA level and the stage of change for PA change whereas web-based intervention was more likely to extend the awareness about PA Background The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity warrants preventive actions , particularly among people in transitional stages associated with lifestyle changes , such as occupational retirement . The purpose is to investigate the effect of a one year low-intensity computer-tailored energy balance programme among recent retirees on waist circumference , body weight and body composition , blood pressure , physical activity and dietary intake . Methods A r and omised controlled trial was conducted among recent retirees ( N = 413 ; mean age 59.5 years ) . Outcome measures were assessed using anthropometry , bio-impedance , blood pressure measurement and question naires . Results Waist circumference , body weight and blood pressure decreased significantly in men of the intervention and control group , but no significant between-group-differences were observed at 12 or at 24-months follow-up . A significant effect of the programme was only observed on waist circumference ( -1.56 cm ( 95%CI : -2.91 to -0.21 ) ) at 12 month follow up among men with low education ( n = 85 ) . Physical activity and dietary behaviours improved in both the intervention and control group during the intervention period . Although , these behaviours changed more favourably in the intervention group , these between-group-differences were not statistically significant . Conclusions The multifaceted computer-tailored programme for recent retirees did not appear to be effective . Apparently the transition to occupational retirement and /or participation in the study had a greater impact than the intervention programme . Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT00122213
There was no evidence for a relationship between intervention effectiveness and mode of delivery or number of intervention contacts ; however , interventions which involved individually tailoring with personalized activity goals or provision of information about local opportunities in the environment may be more effective .
Conclusions Interventions in adults aged 55 to 70 years led to long term improvements in physical activity at 12 months ; however , maintenance beyond this is unclear .
Identified physical activity improvements are likely to have substantial health benefits in reducing the risk of age-related illnesses .
Background Retirement represents a major transitional life stage in middle to older age .
Changes in physical activity typically accompany this transition , which has significant consequences for health and well-being .
The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the effect of interventions to promote physical activity in adults aged 55 to 70 years , focusing on studies that reported long-term effectiveness .