Public defence in caring science: Joakim Niklasson
Thesis title:
Understanding Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults: The Role of Lived Experience, Embodied Navigation, and Daily Physical Activity
Third-cycle subject area:
Caring science
Faculty:
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Date:
Friday 15 November 2024 at 09:00
Place for thesis:
Room Azur, Building Vita, Kalmar and via Zoom
External reviewer:
Professor Maria Haak, Kristianstad University
Examining committee:
Docent Emina Hadziabdic, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University
Professor Elisabeth Lindberg, Borås University
Docent Magnus Sandberg, Lund University
Chairperson:
Docent Kristiina Heikkilä, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University
Supervisor:
Professor Cecilia Fagerström, Kalmar County, Lektor Sofia Backåberg, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Docent Patrick Bergman, Department of Medicine and Optometry, Linnaeus University and Therese Lindberg, Blekinge Institute of Technology
Examiner:
Docent Kristiina Heikkilä, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University
Spikning:
Friday 25 October 2024 at 10:00 at University Library, Kalmar
Zoom link:
https://lnu-se.zoom.us/j/67117943608
Abstract
Background
Advances in healthcare have extended lifespans but also increased chronic diseases and challenges to older adults' daily life. Aging often leads to declines in physical and mental health, making physical activity essential for maintaining quality of life. While guidelines exist for physical activity, our understanding of sedentary behavior, particularly among older adults, remains limited. To be “as little sedentary as possible” is a vague recommendation. Therefore, it needs to be highlighted how a life of physical activity influences choices later in life, what it means to be sedentary as an older adult in relation to the life they have lived, and the underlying reasons that influence physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults.
Aim
To understand the meaning and experience of sedentary behavior, its relation to physical activity, function, and health in older adults.
Methods
Study I utilized phenomenological hermeneutics research method to explore the meaning of sedentary behavior among older adults (n=16) and study III utilized qualitative content analysis to describe the influence of lifelong physical activity (n=14). Study II used questionnaires and accelerometers to analyze daily step counts (n=72) and study IV used data from The Swedish Study of Ageing and Care (SNAC) to analyze sit-to-stand time (n=819) in relation to physical function and health.
Results
Sedentary behavior is not merely inactivity, but a conscious choice influenced by aging and lifestyle, and the lifelong experience of physical activity forms an embodied activity compass, guiding the older adults in their daily life. Time spent sitting in 60-minute bouts walking independence, and intention to increase the amount of exercise in daily life provided the most insight in variation of daily step counts. And the most insight of variation in sit-to-stand time was provided by grip strength, age, and quality of life.
Conclusion
This thesis provides a deeper understanding of sedentary behavior among older adults. Healthcare professionals can better address sedentary behavior by considering older adults' individual lifelong experiences of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Furthermore, the thesis provides insight in the daily physical activities of walking and standing up.