Independent Associations Between Sedentary Behaviors and Mental, Cognitive, Physical, and Functional Health Among Older Adults in Retirement Communities.
BACKGROUND
We examined the relationships between objective and self-reported sedentary time and health indicators among older adults residing in retirement communities.


METHODS
Our cross-sectional analysis used data from 307 participants who completed baseline measurements of a physical activity trial in 11 retirement communities in San Diego County. Sedentary time was objectively measured with devices (accelerometers) and using self-reports. Outcomes assessed included emotional and cognitive health, physical function, and physical health (eg, blood pressure). Linear mixed-effects models examined associations between sedentary behavior and outcomes adjusting for demographics and accelerometer physical activity.


RESULTS
Higher device-measured sedentary time was associated with worse objective physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, balance task scores, 400-m walk time, chair stand time, gait speed), self-reported physical function, and fear of falling but with less sleep disturbance (all ps < .05). TV viewing was positively related to 400-m walk time (p < .05). Self-reported sedentary behavior was related to better performance on one cognitive task (trails A; p < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Sedentary time was mostly related to poorer physical function independently of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and may be a modifiable behavior target in interventions aiming to improve physical function in older adults. Few associations were observed with self-reported sedentary behavior measures.
Group Health Research Institute, Group Health Cooperative, Seattle, Washington. rosenberg.d@ghc.org.
Dori E
DE
Rosenberg
San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health (Epidemiology), San Diego State University and the University of California.
John
J
Bellettiere
School of Population Health and Translation Research Into Practice Center, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Paul A
PA
Gardiner
Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.
Veronica N
VN
Villarreal
Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.
Katie
K
Crist
Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.
Jacqueline
J
Kerr
D061725:Accelerometry / Q000379:methods; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D057566:Self Report; D013223:Statistics as Topic
Cognition; Exercise; Falls and mobility problems; Oldest-old; Retirement; Sleep; Well-being