Stand When You Can: Feasibility of a multi-level intervention to modify sedentary behaviour among older adults in assisted living.
Description: Across all age groups, sedentary behaviour has been established as a risk factor for poor health. Sitting for a long time every day increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as other issues that are common in older adults, such as problems with mobility and memory. Older adults in assisted living often have little need to engage in light intensity activities such as household chores which leads to even more sitting compared to those who live in the community. The goal of this study is to reduce the amount of time spent sitting to maintain and improve the health and wellness of older adults in assisted living. We have previously developed strategies to limit sitting time that target the environment, the culture, and the individual's habits to be implemented in assisted living residences. The goal of this project is to test the intervention to see if it it is acceptable and feasible in 3 different Canadian provinces: AB, ON, and NB. The intervention consists of various strategies to encourage and support older adults to limit and break up long periods of sitting. The effectiveness of the program will be determined by measuring residents' actual sitting time before and after the program is implemented. We will also interview residents, their families, and staff to see how people feel about the strategies and how to ensure they work well for everyone. If we find that the intervention works, we will then plan to launch a larger trial across Canada. By the year 2050 there will be more than 2 billion older adults globally and the demand for residential care is expected to quadruple. To meet the needs of an aging population, research must address the unique health challenges of older adults so that they can continue to live fulfilling lives.
Amount: CA$91,260
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Catalyst Grant - Understanding Disease Prevention and Risk Factor Modification - Non-communicable diseases
Start date: 2020-03-01
End date: 2021-02-28
Investigator: Jennifer Copeland
Institution: University of Lethbridge (Alberta)
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 170154_1
OpenAlex ID: G6835599187