BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:The ability to cross obstacles declines with age, and obstacle-related falls are increasingly common among older adults. This study examined the association between obstacle-crossing performance and fall risk, and their distinct roles in older Korean adults. METHODS:In this observational study, 200 older adults (72.8 ± 5.6 years) participated. Obstacle performance was assessed with a gait analysis system, measuring obstacle-crossing speed and foot elevation while stepping over 5 cm, 10% of height, and 30-cm obstacles. Fall risk was evaluated using the Fall Risk Assessment system, which integrates sensory, neurological, balance, and musculoskeletal domains. Participants were classified as low or high risk based on Fall Risk Assessment scores. Independent t-tests compared obstacle performance between groups, and one-way analyses of variance examined age differences (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, ≥80 years). RESULTS:At 5 cm and 10% height obstacles, foot elevation did not differ by group, whereas obstacle-crossing speed was higher in the low-risk group (p < .05). At 30 cm, both foot elevation (p = .003) and obstacle-crossing speed (p < .001) were greater in the low-risk group. Obstacle-crossing speed declined with age across all obstacles (p < .001), while foot elevation decreased with age only at 30 cm (p < .05). CONCLUSION:Obstacle-crossing speed and foot elevation are associated with fall risk, and maintaining speed under higher demands may indicate gait adaptability. Significance/Implications: Measuring obstacle-crossing speed may improve fall risk screening and guide interventions to maintain mobility and independence in older adults.
BACKGROUND:Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. While physical activity reduces cardiovascular risk, sedentary time (ST) may increase it. However, their independent and combined associations in older adults from middle-income countries remain unclear. AIM:To investigate the independent, stratified, and joint associations of ST and physical activity with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS:A prospective population-based cohort of older adults (≥60 years) from Pelotas, Brazil, was enrolled in 2014. ST and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were estimated via raw accelerometer data. Participants were categorized by ST (median: low/high) and MVPA (tertiles: low, medium, high). MACEs were defined as all-cause mortality, heart failure, and ischemia. Cox proportional hazard models were used for independent, stratified, and joint associations. RESULTS:Among 965 participants (median follow-up 2.6 years; 205 MACEs), independent analysis showed ST was not associated with MACEs when adjusted for MVPA (hazard ratio 0.98, 0.68-1.40). In contrast, the highest MVPA tertile was associated with lower MACE risk, even after adjusting for ST and prior nonfatal MACEs (hazard ratio 0.58, 0.34-0.96). Stratified and joint analyses of ST/MVPA were not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS:Higher MVPA is associated with reduced risk of MACEs in older adults, whereas ST appears unrelated. Significance/Implications: These findings highlight the importance of promoting MVPA in older adults, even among those with high ST. Public health strategies in middle-income countries should prioritize increasing MVPA to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve population health outcomes.
BACKGROUND:Rural older adults face unique barriers to physical activity (PA), including geographic isolation, limited resources, and social constraints. Despite the well-documented benefits of PA, rural older adults are less likely to meet PA guidelines than their urban counterparts. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability of PA interventions for rural older adults through the lens of the social ecological model. METHODS:A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science, identifying 1,023 articles. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, focusing on PA interventions for adults aged 60 and older in rural settings. Data on intervention type, sample characteristics, and rurality measures were extracted. Interventions were categorized using social ecological model levels: individual, interpersonal, organizational, and community. RESULTS:Individual-level interventions (n = 3, 27%) improved physical function, with adherence rates up to 90%. Interpersonal interventions (n = 4, 36%) enhanced exercise self-efficacy and daily step counts. Organizational interventions (n = 2, 18%) demonstrated success in fall prevention and retention. Community-level interventions (n = 2, 18%) leveraged local resources to address geographic and social barriers. CONCLUSION:Findings suggest that PA interventions engaging multiple levels of the social ecological model show the most promise for rural older adults, though standardizing rurality definitions and measurement approaches across studies will be critical for advancing this field of research. IMPLICATIONS:These findings highlight the need for multilevel, contextually tailored interventions to enhance PA participation among rural older adults. Future research should explore scalable strategies that address rural-specific barriers and improve long-term sustainability.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of aquatic training (AT) on risk of falls in older people, compared with control groups or land-based training (LT) groups, and to know the possible moderators of the effect of AT on these outcomes. METHODS:Clinical trials comparing the effect of AT with a control group or LT group in older people, assessing gait ability, balance, or muscle strength, were included. Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus were searched until August 2025. The TESTEX (Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise) scale was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Random effect model was used, and effect sizes (ESs) were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS:Thirty-one studies were included (1,702 participants). After AT, balance (ES = 1.16, 95% CI [0.72, 1.59], p < .001, I2 = 93%) and muscle strength (ES = 1.14, 95% CI [0.76, 1.53], p < .001, I2 = 92%) were improved compared with control group. Aerobic and combined training produced large ES in balance. Weekly training frequency and training progression moderated the effects of AT on balance, and participants' mean age moderated the effects of AT on strength. Overall, AT did not differ significantly from LT. The present study has limitations, including high heterogeneity in some comparisons and poor methodological quality of certain studies. CONCLUSION:AT is effective in improving fall risk factors such as balance and muscle strength, with large ES. The observed effects appear to be similar for both aquatic and LT. Significance/Implications: AT programs aiming to reduce fall risk incorporate either aerobic or combined aerobic and resistance training prescribed at least twice per week. Increasing the number of weekly sessions may further optimize balance improvements, and progression to higher training intensities appears beneficial for both balance and muscle strength.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Decreased appetite in older adults is associated with physical activity. Prior research findings have been inconsistent or limited due to methodological differences. Many studies did not adequately control for psychological or social confounders on appetite. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationships among appetite, physical activity, psychological factors, and social factors in community-dwelling older adults. We investigated how physical activity intensity and time of day could be associated with appetite. METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 100 community-dwelling older adults. Appetite was assessed using the Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire. Physical activity was evaluated using an accelerometer. Physical activity intensity was classified into sedentary behavior, light-intensity activity, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity. Multiple regression analysis was performed with Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire as the dependent variable, whereas physical activity, depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-15), and social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale-6) were the independent variables. RESULTS:The mean Japanese version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire score in all participants was 15.2. Physical activity and social isolation were not associated with appetite, whereas higher levels of depression were significantly associated with lower appetite. CONCLUSIONS:No association was observed between objectively measured physical activity and appetite among community-dwelling older adults. Appetite was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological factors, such as depression, for maintaining or improving appetite in older adults. Significance/Implications: Interventions targeting psychological factors might be important for maintaining and improving appetite in older adults.
Unexpected loss of balance during walking and ineffective reactive response are major causes of falls in older adults. We aimed to compare the kinematics of the first reactive step to unannounced balance perturbation while walking in older adults with and without a fall history. In an exploratory cross-sectional study, 14 older adults (84% female) who reported a fall in the past year and 21 older adults (72% female) without a fall history were instructed to walk on a treadmill that provided unannounced lateral surface perturbations. The perturbation magnitudes were systematically increased from low to high. The average values of first reactive step parameters across all perturbation magnitudes were compared between the groups. The step initiation time and the step duration of the first reactive step in older adults with a fall history were slower than older adults without a fall history (342 ± 124 ms vs. 306 ± 122 ms, p = .001 and 670 ± 195 ms vs. 602 ± 191 ms, p < .001, respectively), and step length was larger (21 ± 10 cm vs. 17 ± 9 cm, p < .001). The displacement of the center of mass after the perturbation tended to be larger in older adults with a fall history (p = .047). In addition, the highest perturbation achieved by older adults with a fall history was lower (p = .016). The results indicate that the ability of older adults with a fall history to initiate a recovery step during gait is delayed; the first reactive step was slower and larger as they were less able to control the moving center of mass over the base of support provided by the feet.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Providing care for older adults with dementia generates stress and challenges, impacting quality of life (QoL). Physical activity offers benefits, and the link between physical activity levels (PAL) and these factors during the pandemic can be further explored. This study aimed to examine associations between PAL, stress, burden, and QoL among dementia caregivers during COVID-19. METHODS:Eighty-nine caregivers of older adults with mild to moderate dementia participated in the study. The online assessment included a medical history questionnaire, the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Alzheimer's Disease Quality of Life Scale-Caregiver Version. Spearman's rho was used to examine correlations between PAL and stress, burden, and QoL. A generalized linear model (gamma distribution) analyzed associations between metabolic equivalents per week and stress, burden, and QoL. RESULTS:A negative correlation between metabolic equivalents per week and burden (ρ = -.26, p = .014) indicated that higher PAL was correlated to lower burden. A positive correlation between metabolic equivalents per week and QoL (ρ = .34, p = .001) showed that higher PAL was associated with better QoL. No correlation was found between PAL and stress. However, significant associations were observed between PAL and both burden, χ2(1) = 5.065, p = .024, and QoL, χ2(1) = 6.983, p = .008. CONCLUSIONS:Higher PAL in dementia caregivers is associated with lower burden and better QoL. Significance/Implications: Promoting physical activity may improve caregivers' QoL and reduce burden, guiding future research.
BACKGROUND:Velocity-monitored resistance training (RT) marked a significant advancement in the RT paradigm by providing precise information about the loads applied. OBJECTIVES:This study compared the acute effects of velocity-monitored RT with 10% versus 20% velocity loss (VL) on hemodynamic, metabolic, and mechanical parameters in older adults. METHODS:Twenty-nine older adults (81 ± 8 years) randomly performed two training protocols separated by a 1-week rest period: three sets of 10% VL (VL10) or 20% VL (VL20) at 60% of one-repetition maximum in chest and leg press exercises. Before and immediately after each protocol, we collected the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and blood lactate. Furthermore, we recorded the fastest velocity and peak power reached against the same weight before and after each resistance exercise. RESULTS:The analysis revealed significant differences between protocols in VL (∼12% vs. ∼21%, p < .001) and total repetitions (∼12 vs. ∼24, p < .001). Furthermore, in comparison with the VL10 protocol, the VL20 elicited a higher increase in blood lactate (29% vs. 11%, p < .001) and a reduction in chest press peak power (-4% vs. +3%, p < .001) and chest press velocity (-4% vs. +2%, p < .001). There were no differences between protocols on systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. CONCLUSION:This study shows that a VL20 magnitude induces higher metabolic and mechanical stress than a VL10 magnitude, whereas the latter can preserve mechanical performance in older adults. IMPLICATIONS:Implementing velocity-monitored RT ensured regulation of the training load, uniform effort, and objective assessment of training effect.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:Living beyond 90 years is rare worldwide. Although aging impairs neuromuscular function and body composition, little is known about changes in individuals over 90 years old. This cross-sectional study examined associations between age and neuromuscular-related parameters in adults over 90 years old. METHODS:A total of 42 individuals above 90 years old (94.9 ± 3.1 years, range: 90-102 years) attended laboratory testing. Participants underwent assessments of body composition (via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry); quadriceps muscle thickness and quality (via ultrasonography); and knee extension maximum strength, rapid strength (i.e., rate of torque development [RTD]), and muscular endurance via isometric dynamometry. RESULTS:Linear regression analyses revealed no significant associations between age and muscle mass (βs = -0.103, p = .506), quality (βs = 0.198, p = .222), and endurance (βs = -0.021, p = .916). However, age was negatively correlated with RTD during the later phases (150-350 ms) of isometric knee extension, with the most pronounced decline observed in the 100-200 ms interval (βs = -0.456, p = .014), corresponding to a mean reduction of ∼9% per year. Early-phase RTD (0-100 ms) showed marginal significance (p = .069), suggesting potential age-related neural impairments. CONCLUSIONS:In individuals over 90 years old, neuromuscular decline appears more related to rapid strength (RTD) than to maximal strength or muscle quantity/quality. Significance/Implications: RTD loss may compromise abilities essential for independence, such as balance recovery and fall prevention. Targeting explosive strength rather than hypertrophy or maximal strength could be key for preserving mobility in extreme old age.
OBJECTIVES:This study explored the physical activity (PA) trajectories and associated factors among older adults living alone. METHODS:Data from three waves (2016-2020) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. A sample of 219 individuals aged 65 and older, living alone and with no cognitive or physical impairments, was selected. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct subpopulations among older adults living alone, each characterized by unique PA trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was also performed to identify associated factors for each PA trajectory class. RESULTS:Latent class growth analysis identified two PA trajectories: a low-growth class (86.4%) with initially low PA levels that increased over time and a high-decline class (13.6%) with initially high PA levels that then decreased. Multinomial logistic regression showed that living in a metropolitan area was associated with belonging to the high-decline class (odds ratio = 4.141, 95% confidence interval [1.033, 16.603]). CONCLUSION:This study highlights the existence of distinct PA trajectories among older adults living alone, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to support sustained PA, particularly for those in metropolitan areas who are at risk of declining activity levels. IMPLICATIONS:The findings underscore the importance of considering geographic location and its impact on PA patterns among older adults, suggesting that urban-specific strategies may be necessary to promote and maintain active lifestyles in this population.
Objective : This study aimed to compare physical activity levels, pain characteristics, and quality of life among older adults living in rural and urban areas of Turkey. Methods : This cross-sectional study included 250 older adults (50 rural and 200 urban). Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Older Adults Module. Chronic pain was defined as pain lasting at least 3 months based on self-report. Group comparisons were conducted using independent samples t -tests or Mann–Whitney U tests according to data distribution, and adjusted regression analyses were performed to control for potential confounders. Results : Physical activity levels did not differ significantly between rural and urban participants ( p > .05). Urban participants reported higher pain scores ( p < .05), whereas chronic pain prevalence was higher in the rural group. Significant differences were observed in selected World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Older Adults Module domains, with rural participants reporting higher scores in sensory abilities, death and dying, and intimacy ( p < .05). Other domains did not show significant differences. Conclusion : The findings indicate that rural–urban differences in older adults are evident in pain and certain quality of life domains, whereas physical activity levels appear comparable. These results should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships. Cultural, social, and health care-related factors specific to Turkey may contribute to these differences. Future studies using longitudinal designs and more balanced samples are needed to better understand these relationships.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:The co-occurrence of motor and cognitive impairments in Parkinson's disease underscores the importance of dual-task training, particularly when delivered via telerehabilitation. This study aimed to compare the effects of telerehabilitation-based motor-motor and cognitive-motor dual-task training on gait speed, functional mobility, balance, strength, cognition, quality of life, and fear of falling in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS:Thirty individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease completed this randomized controlled study: Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training Group, n = 10; the Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training Group, n = 10; and the control group: n = 10. Throughout the 8-week intervention period, all exercise sessions were conducted via telerehabilitation. While the Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training Group completed additional motor tasks alongside the structured exercise program, the Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training Group performed additional cognitive tasks with the structured exercise program, and the control group participated only in the structured exercise program. The 10-m Walk Test, Timed Up and Go test, Berg Balance Scale, five Times Sit to Stand Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale-International were assessed at baseline and postintervention. RESULTS:Over 8 weeks, both Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training Group and Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training Group demonstrated significant within-group improvements (all, p ≤ .05), whereas the control group showed no improvement (all p > .05). Significant differences were observed between groups for all parameters (all p ≤ .05), except quality of life (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS:Telerehabilitation-based dual-task training interventions may improve gait speed, functional mobility, balance, lower extremity strength, and cognition and reduce fear of falling in patients with Parkinson's disease. Significance/Implications: Telerehabilitation-based dual-task training may serve as an accessible rehabilitation approach that supports functional mobility, cognitive performance, and fall prevention in patients with Parkinson's disease.
INTRODUCTION:Older adults with subjective cognitive decline often show reduced physical activity (PA) increasing the risk of cognitive impairment. This study sought to pilot test and examine the effects of a culturally adapted, group-based, moderate-intensity PA (Tone Dance) program on daily PA, cognitive lapses, and cognitive functioning in older adults. METHODS:A quasi-experimental study was conducted among older adults with subjective cognitive decline. Participants were allocated to an experimental group (n = 32), which completed a 7-week (14 sessions) Tone Dance intervention and a control group (n = 32) receiving usual care. Feasibility included recruitment, participation, and retention rates; adverse events; participant satisfaction; and program delivery competency. Preliminary outcomes were assessed: daily PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), cognitive lapses (Cognitive Failures Questionnaire), and cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze feasibility outcomes. Between-group preliminary outcome differences were analyzed using independent t-tests. RESULTS:No dropout and no adverse events were reported. Participant satisfaction ranged from 3.56 ± 0.51 to 4.00. Interventionists achieved program delivery competency scores ≥80%. Postintervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in daily PA and reductions in cognitive lapses compared with the control group (p < .05). No statistically significant differences in cognitive functioning were found between groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION:Culturally adapted, group-based PA interventions such as this program promote increased daily PA and reduced cognitive lapses in older adults. IMPLICATIONS:Nurses and community health practitioners can implement such programs to assist older adults in achieving recommended PA levels.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Falls are a major cause of injury and mortality in older adults. Numerous programs have been implemented to improve mobility and reduce fall risk but these focus on strength, balance, and coordination, while cognitive abilities remain unconsidered. This study compares an official state-funded rehabilitation sport program with a novel motor-cognitive training. METHODS:Thirty-two participants (Mage: 71 years) were assigned either to the accredited rehabilitation sport or the motor-cognitive training. Following the official regulations, participants trained once a week for 45 min over 6 the course of weeks. Motor-cognitive training was performed using the SKILLCOURT technology where cognitive tasks were integrated into locomotor or stepping exercises. Before and after the training, gait stability using the Dynamic Gait Index and timed-up-and-go test was measured. Moreover, endurance capacity (6-min walking test), executive function, dual-task performance, and reactive agility were assessed on the SKILLCOURT. Training motivation and intention to continue with the training were surveyed after the 6-week training intervention. RESULTS:Results indicate stronger performance gains for the motor-cognitive training group in the Dynamic Gait Index (p = .020, ηp2=.198) and timed-up-and-go (p = .014, ηp2=.227). No differences were observed for the 6-min walking, dual task, and executive function tests (p ≥ .174). Participants in the motor-cognitive group were more motivated to come to the training (p = .002), and a higher proportion expressed their interest in training continuation (p < .001). CONCLUSION:The results indicate that motor-cognitive training outperforms purely motor training programs in improving gait stability in older adults. Significance/Implications: Mobility training programs should be revised by integrating motor-cognitive components.
BACKGROUND:Aging can be associated with poor cardiovascular health and physical function. This study aimed to compare 6 weeks of mini-trampoline training with walking in older adults. METHODS:Forty-seven adults (age 71.1 ± 5.6 years) were assigned to either a trampoline exercise group or a walking group. Both groups completed 20-min sessions three times a week. Assessments of balance, mobility, and walking capacity were conducted pre- and postintervention. RESULTS:There was a significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 12.858, p = .001, η2 = .222, for the single-leg stand test. The main effect of time for the trampoline exercise group, F(1, 24) = 21.0, p < .01, η2 = .467, was significant with posttest time improving compared with pretest time. There was no significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 0.249, p > .05, η2 = .006, for the four-square step test. The main effect of time was significant, F(1, 45) = 15.523, p = .001, η2 = .256, with both groups improving from pre to post. For the 6-min walk test, there was no significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 1.365, p > .05, η2 = .029. The main effect of time was significant, F(1, 45) = 10.397, p = .002, η2 = .188, with both groups improving compared with baseline. CONCLUSION:Trampoline training and walking improved balance and walking capacity, whereas only trampoline training led to improvements in single-leg balance. SIGNIFICANCE:This study highlights that both exercise modalities are effective forms of activity for older adults.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Walking speed is a functional biomarker, but clinical thresholds often miss community demands. This study quantified mechanical reserve (walking speed functional reserve, %FRWS) and physiological reserve (heart rate functional reserve, %FRHR) in Near- and Far-ecokinesiological groups and examined their alignment with ecological thresholds. METHODS:Observational cross-sectional secondary analysis of a deidentified cohort. STROBE-compliant. Seventy older adults (≥60 years) completed a 40-m elliptical-circuit test. EXCLUSIONS:Neurological disease, contraindication to exertion, lower-limb pain, or Mini-Mental State Examination < 13. MEASURES:Self-selected and maximal walking speeds (MWS); %FRWS and %FRHR derived from heart rate work. Heart rate reserve was computed to monitor effort during testing. Ecokinesiology (EK) status: Near-EK (self-selected walking speed 0.80-1.19 m/s) or Far-EK (≥1.20 m/s). Quadrant profiling combined %FRWS (x) and %FRHR (y). RESULTS:Near-EK participants were older with higher body mass/body mass index (p = .006; p = .009; p = .003). Far-EK showed higher self-selected walking speed and MWS (both p < .001). Reserves diverged: %FRWS was higher in Near-EK (18.4 ± 6.3% vs. 14.0 ± 6.8%, p = .008), whereas %FRHR and its increment were higher in Far-EK (56.5 ± 21.6% vs. 45.9 ± 18.1%, p = .027; 18.7 ± 7.6% vs. 15.1 ± 9.9%, p = .016). Quadrant allocation was heterogeneous but nonsignificant (Near-EK χ2 = 5.40, p = .15; Far-EK χ2 = 2.04, p = .62), revealing capacity-context mismatches. CONCLUSION:Ecological mobility cannot be inferred from reserve metrics alone. Integrating indicators with ecological thresholds enables stratification and exposes mismatches in Near- and Far-EK. Significance/Implications: This approach supports personalized assessment, exercise prescription, and environment-informed configurations for healthy aging.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:The Minds in Motion (MiM) program has physical and social benefits for both persons living with dementia and their caregivers (CGs); however, further exploration is warranted to understand the experiences of persons living with dementia and CGs within rural communities. The objective of this study was to examine the lived experiences of persons living with dementia and their CGs in the MiM program in rural communities. METHODS:Persons living with dementia (n = 10) and their CGs (n = 10) were recruited from rural areas in southern Ontario. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire followed by a one-on-one semistructured interview. Transcripts were then analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS:Two themes were identified: (a) Forging connections and fostering wellness and (b) "Because [their] world gets smaller, so does yours." The first theme reflected the effects of the MiM program on persons living with dementia and their CGs. The second theme involved the effects on the CGs while caring for persons living with dementia. CONCLUSION:The study highlights how the MiM program fosters connections, promotes wellness, and supports social engagement, enhancing the quality of life for persons living with dementia and CGs. Significance/Implications: This research contributes to the growing body of literature on dementia care and offers insights into the potential benefits of programs that combine physical and cognitive activities for this population in communities that have not been explored by previous research.
Background/Objective: This study investigates flow experience, a state of total immersion and optimal experience conceptualized by Csikszentmihalyi in 1990, in adults aged 60 years and older while playing recreational doubles pickleball. It compares their flow experiences to those in other activities (yoga, sports, exercise, and physical activity) and begins to identify demographic and player characteristics linked to flow. Methods: A convenience online sample of 213 participants (105 men, 107 women, one nonresponse), with demographic characteristics broadly similar to the target population, completed the Long Dispositional Flow Scale-Physical to measure player flow across nine subdimensions and answered five demographic and five player characteristic questions. Comparative analyses utilized aggregate data from The Flow Manual. Statistical analyses were employed to evaluate the results, conduct comparisons, and identify significant variables influencing the flow experience. Results: Participants reported high Total Flow and engagement in all nine flow subdimensions: Challenge/Skill Balance, Merging of Action and Awareness, Clear Goals, Unambiguous Feedback, Total Concentration, Sense of Control, Loss of SelfConsciousness, Time Transformation, and Autotelic Experience. Pickleball players exhibited significantly higher Total Flow and specific subdimension scores than other activities. Days Played per Week positively correlated with Total Flow. Years of Play and Tournament Participation showed small positive correlations with Challenge/Skill Balance, Sense of Control, and Merging of Action and Awareness. Gender, Age, Education, and Location were unrelated to flow. Conclusion: Older adults playing pickleball experience robust flow states, surpassing other activities.
In older adults, metabolic syndrome (MetS) may also affect physical function by causing muscle weakness and reduced mobility. This can lead to problems like frailty, poor balance, and locomotive syndrome (LS), which makes it harder to move and stay independent. Understanding how MetS affects balance, physical fitness, and movement in Turkish older adults is important for preventing falls and promoting healthy aging. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare frailty, locomotive syndrome, balance, and physical fitness levels in Turkish older adults with metabolic syndrome and healthy controls. Sixty-three older adults (41 MetS and 22 controls) underwent assessments including frailty criteria (weight loss, grip strength, exhaustion, gait speed, and physical activity), LS (Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, two-step test, and stand-up test), static balance and proprioception (SensBalance Miniboard), and physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test). The mean age of MetS and controls participants was 72.07 ± 6.03 and 71.18 ± 4.88, respectively. Results revealed no significant frailty difference between groups (p > .05), but the MetS group exhibited higher LS risk (worse Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale scores, reduced quadriceps strength; p < .05), impaired static balance and proprioception (p < .05), and poorer physical fitness (lower aerobic endurance, agility, lower body strength, and flexibility; p < .05), though upper body strength/flexibility was similar (p > .05). This study highlights the impact of MetS on the physical function of older adults in Turkey, showing that individuals with MetS are more likely to experience locomotive difficulties, balance impairments, and reduced physical fitness. These findings underline the importance of early identification and targeted exercise programs to prevent further decline, improve mobility and balance, and reduce the risk of falls in older adults with MetS in Turkey.
BACKGROUND:Women aged 65 and over often face physical and psychosocial challenges such as mobility issues, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and emotional vulnerability. Yoga, as a traditional mind-body practice, has shown promising results in supporting physical, psychological, and social well-being in older adults. METHODS:This study was conducted as a qualitative research using a phenomenological design to explore the experiences of women aged 65 and over regarding yoga practice. The study included 10 women participating in a yoga program at an Active Aging Center affiliated with a municipality. Data were collected through a semistructured interview form and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS:The findings were grouped under eight main themes: perception of yoga, prejudices before yoga, physical effects, psychological effects, motivations for participation, factors influencing participation, expectations from the instructor, and perceptions related to age and gender. Participants reported that yoga positively affected flexibility, posture problems, pain, and sleep issues. Psychologically, they felt more balanced, peaceful, and calm. CONCLUSION:This study reveals the multidimensional effects of yoga in older adults and suggests that it can be considered a supportive intervention for healthy aging. IMPLICATIONS:The findings highlight the value of integrating yoga into health promotion strategies targeting older women. Yoga may serve not only as a physical activity but also as a tool for emotional regulation and social engagement. Health professionals and community centers can incorporate age-appropriate yoga practices to improve the quality of life and well-being among older populations.
